Date: 2018-10-03

SECRETARY of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Rasaq Lawal, has emerged as the PDP's candidate for Ilorin West/Asa House of Representatives seat.

Lawal, a grassroots politician emerged unopposed, while his election was officially affirmed by delegates from his federal constituency at the Kwara Central zonal office of the party in Ilorin on Wednesday.

Also affirmed as PDP House of Representatives candidate for Ilorin East/South federal constituency at the event is the Director General, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Mandate Constituency office, Hon. Abdulwahab Issa.

Issa had served as representative for the same constituency between 2011- 2015 and thereafter served as the Director General, ABS Mandate Constituency office, Ilorin.

Rasaq Lawal's candidacy is seen as a popular decision and reward for loyalty because of the critical role he played in attracting stalwarts and a large number of the old PDP members to Saraki political dynasty.

It was also in fulfilment of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki's pledge to give both the old and PDP members equal opportunity.

Speaking at the event, the PDP zonal chairman, Kwara Central senatorial district, Alhaji Adesina Jimoh, poured encomiums on Saraki for providing effective leadership for the PDP and Saraki political structure in the state.

Adesina described Saraki as a fair and selfless leader whose only interest in politics is the development of his people and growth of Kwara state.

He said the Senate President"s unique leadership has put the PDP in more advantageous position over the disunited and leaderless opposition parties in the state.

Also speaking, Alhaji Rasaq Lawal thanked God for ensuring his emergence.

He expressed special gratitude to the Senate for making good his promise to give both the old and new members of the PDP in the state equal opportunities.

"Saraki's name will go down in his history as a fair and great leader through whose leadership so many Kwarans, had been elected and appointed into positions of authority both at the state and federal levels.

The chairman of the electoral panel that conducted the primary, Mr Moses Ibiyemi, raised up the hands of the two candidates for affirmation by delegates.

Before this, other aspirants for the House of Representatives seat for the two federal constituencies had announced their withdrawal from the race in the interest of their party. They expressed their support for Lawal and Issa.

Those that spoke include Hon. Abubakar Kannike, Alh Saka Babatunde, Hon. Warah and Hon. Segilola Abdulkadir.