The leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state and Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment Senator Bukola Saraki in this interview with ABDULLAHI OLESIN says Kwara is no go area for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He also discloses that the Senate has not ratified the suspension of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), describing the President's decision as unconstitutional. Excerpts:

Did the president transmit a letter to the senate on the suspension of Lamido Sanusi as CBN's governor, seeking powers to back his actions as required by the laws?

There was no letter or request to that effect. We must follow these laws and ensure they are adhered to, may be we would have such letter when we are back but sure that would be a bit late.

Kwara state is a prime target of the PDP in the 2015 election, how are you preparing for the on slaught?

As you all know the APC recently held its registration exercise and the figures we got was over 380,000. Some of you that were here during the last election would remember that Governor Abdul Fattah Ahmed won with about 250,000 votes and if today we have recorded registration of 380, 000 members you can see that if I were also to be on the other side naturally I would feel jittery and be organizing rallies.

Let them also do membership registration and let us see how many they would record. They too know at the end of the day that they are a party that don't have the form of cohesion. But the people of Kwara have spoken during our registration exercise and we thank the people that came out for the registration exercise. You would appreciate them more if you consider the shortness of the time; remember we took a decision to move to the APC in less than three months and in three months if we could do this it shows that the structure that can deliver is here. I think they better put their resources somewhere in other states because Kwara is a no go area.

Are you disturbed that you are being seen as a possible target of the presidency?

Actually, we decide to make a lot of personal sacrifices. I have said it so many times that some of the things I believe in are not personal and I gave example on television last week that when the late Alhaji Umaru Yar adua was the president and inspite of being close to him I fought his government on agricultural loans. I stood and said this thing must stop, if I believe something is not right I stand against it because I believe it is to help everybody; unfortunately, there are some that when you say something isn't right they readily label. You think it is some people that create such an impression, what I know is that I would continue to stand for what I believe is right and stand against what I believe is wrong. Just like I said on the issue of Sanusi it is not personal, President may leave tomorrow, Sanusi could die but the institution remains so it is about the person coming tomorrow and those coming after. The laws are passed to allow the independence of the CBN. I would always fight for what is right and whatever is attendant with it are personal sacrifices.

Does the Sanusi saga signal anything as regards INEC Chairmanship's position?

Yes if the president could suspend the CBN governor why not? INEC isn't immune from such sledge hammer. There are far reaching effects of the action like I stated. What people don't understand is that Nigeria of 2014 is different from the past, people are more aware of happenings in the political circle, the level of commitment is different, I always say if you believe the tactics used in 1999 is what you intend using in 2014 you are wrong. You could see what happened in Edo state no matter the agenda, people guarded their votes you would see what would happen in Ekiti and Osun states people would come out to vote and defend it. Any security agents that come would naturally align with where the people are. Here in Kwara people would vote and defend it. We have seen what happens in different parts of the world where people stand against oppression and imposition. In the past people weren't involved but now people are interested you cant take people for granted anymore. The role of the security agents is to ensure the processes are followed and to ensure people can freely express themselves through their votes. Politicians are supposed to go to the grassroots to canvass for votes and not to rely on some agents that can't stand against people's decision.

With the decision of some of your supporters and others to stay back in the PDP and also with the defection of Dele Belgore to the party, are they not considered formidable to challenge the APC?

How do you define the word 'formidable'? In the 2011 election the PDP came first with the ACN as second. Majority of the PDP and the ACN members are now in APC so, which group could be described as formidable and could there be two formidable groups?

Are there moves to bring back those who were part of the structure, but stayed back in PDP or left for the PDP?

Yes of course, the more the merrier, the larger the number the better, we have a reconciliation team, we have engaged some to know their grievances that is the beauty of democracy. Even Dele Belgore, I drove to his house and met him on the need for us to work together for the upliftment of our state but he took a decision that suits his interest and aspirations. There are also some who have never been with us and we have met and they are now with us, people like Alhaji Nurudeen from Kaiama and some I don't want to mention their names.