Date: 2015-03-03

There is a raging confusion in the Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the status of Senator Gbemisola Saraki who is the first daughter of late strongman of Kwara politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki.

Gbemi who was a gubernatorial aspirant of the party has recently distanced herself from the party’s activities following alleged maltreatment by the party’s leadership.

She was absent at President Goodluck Jonathan’s rally and the flag-off of the party’s campaign and other activities of the party thus fueling speculation of her exit from the party.

However, the former Senator who represented Kwara Central for eight years at the Senate arrived Ilorin and debunked speculation of her defection from the party, saying it was a mere rumour.

Though, she said she remains in PDP, it is not clear if her supporters who raised the issue of marginalization of their principal still remain in the party or would join another party.

Asked whether she had given any specific instruction to her supporters, Gbemi cleverly said her supporters do not require any instruction as they are matured enough to determine their future. 

However, a local news report yesterday quoted the PDP Chairman, Chief Iyiola Oyedepo of accusing Gbemi of shunning the party’s invitations, saying Gbemi is free to leave the party.

Daily Trust however learnt that the report rattled some members of the state executive who are currently divided over Gbemi.  

On the basis of the current misgivings, the state secretary of the party, Barr. Hassan Razak who is believed to be a loyalist of Gbemi issued a statement entitled, “Kwara PDP appeals to Gbemi Saraki not to dump Party”.