Gboyega Isiaka, the governorship
candidate of the Gbenga Daniel faction of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) in Ogun State, whose candidacy was voided by a Federal High Court
judgment, has finally got some relief as his name has been included in
the final list of governorship candidates for the state announced by
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mr Isiaka’s name was published on INEC’s website as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN).
Mr Isiaka’s chances of contesting the
election had looked slim after INEC approved his opponent and candidate
of the Olusegun Obasanjo faction of the party, Tunji Olurin as the
PDP’s governorship flag bearer. His initial effort to get INEC’s
approval as PPN candidate also suffered initial setbacks.
But with his inclusion, Mr Isiaka can
now launch his campaign across the state. One of his aides, speaking on
condition of anonymity, said yesterday that the party has concluded
arrangements to kick start what he described as Mega Campaign today in
Abeokuta.
No state funding
The campaign was earlier scheduled for last weekend at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.
But it was postponed for reasons not
made known to the public and newsmen. Published on INEC’s website as Mr
Isiaka’s running mate is a former commissioner in the state, Jokotade
Odebunmi.
Meanwhile, officials of the PPN have denied reports that they were
being funded by Gbenga Daniel using government funds. “We want to state
unequivocally that nothing can be farther from the truth. Indeed the
statement is borne out of the fear of looming and certain defeat that
is now starring the gubernatorial candidate of PDP,” the PPN
spokesperson, Raheem Ajayi said at the weekend. “For the avoidance of
doubt, the PPN is being funded by the contributions of its committed
members and friends who are appalled by the brazen injustice meted to
our candidates who freely and fairly won the mandates that were stolen
by those parading themselves as the candidates of the PDP.”
