By Gowon Yakubu
At the stakeholders meeting of Lokoja Local Government held today, 22 April 2022, at the residence of the apex leader of Kogi West PDP, distinguish Senator Tunde Ogbeha; Hon. Chief Abenemi, State Deputy Chairman of PDP, explained that political parties adopt candidates either by primaries or consensus but the most important thing in the whole process is to field a candidate that can guarantee victory at the general poll.
Most often, political parties fail to engage in fact-finding to source for candidates that can win elections with less stress.
Losing or winning election is determined by political parties and their choice of candidates. The basics requirements for winning election can be achieved when there is proper consultation and that will lead to the emergence of capable candidates to represent the party.
Abenemi said; “the experience of every political party, should be an eye opener not to field a candidate that cannot guarantee victory after a stressful journey of no achievement.
“In the past, we have seen situations where candidates are being fielded out of sentiment, miscalculation and no fact-finding but such political parties failed flagrantly with unimaginable defeat. The process of getting a credible candidate void of sentiment, hatred, bitterness and selfish or personal interest is the right and possible way to win election.”
He said Hon. Barr. Shaba Ibrahim is not only the capable hand but the surest way to guarantee PDP victory, come 2023 general election for House of Representatives.
“PDP must take the advantage of the fact that the ruling party in the State is already in fear and jittery over the danger of them loosing the whole seats to PDP particularly Lokoja/kogi federal constituency if Hon. Barr. Shaba Ibrahim is being returned or is fielded as candidate against anybody that will emerge as their own party candidate. PDP has a brighter chance of winning Lokoja/kogi federal constituency if Hon. Shaba Ibrahim is adopted as the party candidate.
“I encourage PDP stalwarts, party supporters and stakeholders across Lokoja/Kogi Federal constituency to maximize this golden opportunity as Hon. Shaba Ibrahim is a huge threat to the APC”, he said.
In his remark, Hon. Shaba Ibrahim admonished the stakeholders, party supporters and his contestants to please put what is wrong aside and let the spirit of forgiveness stay “in our mind in order to forgive ourselves.”
The highlight of the meeting is presentation of Lokoja 1 constituency candidate, Hon. Ahmed Shehu Yabagi to the stakeholders by the State Deputy chairman of PDP, Hon. Chief Sam Abenemi.