Elders from Kwara South senatorial district met yesterday in Ilorin and resolved to ensure that an aspirant from the zone emerges as the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 election.

The resolution was the highlight of a special consultative forum, which attracted no fewer than 3,000 PDP members from the seven local councils in the senatorial zone. The meeting was hosted by the state former deputy governor, Chief Joel Ogundeji.

The resolution to support one of the five aspirants from the zone was tabled by the secretary of the Elders Forum, Dr. Hezekiah Oyedepo and was affirmed by all those present through a unanimous voice vote.

Earlier, all the five gubernatorial aspirants had presented the highlights of their manifestos to the forum where they spoke on their strategies to improve the economic and social status of the state if they become the next governor in May next year. Those present were Jani Ibrahim, Mr. Sunday Babalola, Deacon John Dara, Senator Makanjuola Ajadi and Senator Simeon Ajibola.

Ibrahim anchored his programme on a four-point agenda of massive job creation especially for women and the youths; mechanized agriculture; development of natural resources and provision of infrastructure.

He said his Kwara Prosperity Agenda is designed to transform the vast potentials of the state to wealth for the benefit of all citizens.

According to him, "Kwara has been held down by poverty of ideas. We will break that cycle and transform our vast potentials to common wealth. We will take this state from 'good' to 'great' in a record time".

He also promised to build a general hospital in each local council and provide potable water in every household by 2018.

Babalola promised to improve agriculture, provide quality infrastructure including roads and affordable housing.

Dara urged the elders to shun those who seek to mix politics with religion as they search for a credible candidate who will not play a second fiddle.

He also presented a four-point programme of social mobilisation that will ensure collective participation in social and economic development; provision of quality infrastructure; human resource development with focus on sound education and healthcare and economic management for massive revenue generation from tourism and agriculture.

Ajibola said if elected as governor he would pursue good governance through efficient management of resources, a reformed taxation system and massive development of rural communities. He also promised to grant full autonomy to local council administration.

Senator Ajadi identified lack of fairness, equity and justice as the missing links for good governance in the state and promised to redress the situation if elected as governor.

He also promised to introduce a citizen-participatory system in drawing and executing development plans while giving special care to women, the youths and the elderly.

All the governorship aspirants pledged to work together and support whoever emerges as the PDP flag bearer.

Other members of the forum present at the meeting include Chief Samuel Adedayo, Chief Henry Olaosebikan, Hon. Kola Bukoye and Chief Lanre Ogundeji.