PDP picks Aluko as Ajibola's running mate

EKITI Traditional Council has endorsed Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed for a second term as the governor of the state in the forthcoming elections.

The Chairman of the Traditional Council and Olosi of Osi, Oba Salihu Abdulkareem Arowobeku said the developmental initiatives of the AbdulFatah Ahmed administration especially in Ekiti land of the State made it imperative to return Dr. Ahmed as the governor of the state.

"The governor has been a benefactor to our people, especially the Community Health Insurance Scheme which has brought qualitative health to our people at a cheaper cost", the traditional ruler said.

Governor Ahmed, in his remarks, said despite unjustified dwindling allocation from the federation account, Kwara state government will not sack civil servants while ensuring that development initiatives reach every part of the state without political or other extraneous considerations. "We shall continue to be resourceful, just, prudent and deliver benefits of democracy to all people of our state", Governor Ahmed promised.

On the request for more upgrading of traditional rulers in the state, Governor Ahmed, who said the excise was a continuous one, however, promised that more stools would be upgraded when the economies of the local governments improve.

Boreholes and transformers were distributed to various communities by Governor Ahmed during the town hall meeting.

Meanwhile, the opposition People's Democratic Party(PDP) has unveiled Alhaji Ahmed Yinka Aluko as the running mate of its governorship candidate Senator Suleiman Simeon Ajibola, assuring that if given the mandate in 2015 full autonomy would be given to the existing 16 Local Government Councils in the state.

Aluko, an Ilorin-born politician was a former aide on security to a former governor of the state, Bukola Saraki, before the duo fell apart.

Ajibola addressed the press conference in ilorin in company of the state chairman?, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo and three of the aspirants, Kale Belgore, Deacon John Dara and Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem who later spoke on behalf of other aspirants.

"As we all know, a bird can never fly with one wing,in this voyage ?therefore there is the need for running mate .After having considered the opinion of our party leaders and members at local,state and national levels,i hereby present to you my running mate in person of Alh Ahmed Yinka Aluko".he said.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate also said that a stalwart of the ruling APC in Kwara who had earlier on declared the next election as "a walk over" for his party because of his emergence was actually afraid of him, hence his alleged public pretence on the issue.

Ajibola pleaded with people of the party particularly the aspirants ," to put personal interests aside;respect the decision? of the delegates and above all remind ourselves all our pledges and promises to work together for the success of the party".

He exuded confidence ?that he would win the forthcoming governor ship election because the party has solid structures comprising of committed members,across the nooks and crannies of kwara state.

"Surprise is common in politics,my emergence is a surprise to many including you journalists,and by the grace of God,we will surprise many including the APC ruling party and unseat them in this forthcoming election" he stressed.

Ajibola promised to be transparent and judicious in expending the resources of the state for the use of the people of kwara and also ensure that the local governments in the state are allowed to be autonomous in the discharge of their obligations to their people.