joshua
By Muhammad Ohunene Simbiyat
The Kogi West Senatorial district candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party, NNPN, for this year general elections, Hon. Muhammed Ibukun Abubakar Bukky, said yesterday he was still in the race.
He spoke on the heels of reports in some quarters that he had withdrawn from the senatorial race.
Answering questions from Journalists at the premises of the state NNPP secretariat in Lokoja, shortly after the party’s stakeholders meeting, Bukky said it was not true that he had withdrawn from the race as that will not happen.
He described as mischief reports that he had withdrawn from the race and accused those behind the reports of being jittery of his popularity, acceptance and dominance of the political space.
While calling on his teeming supporters to completely disregard the information that he had stepped down, described it unimaginable, unthinkable and machinations of some very over zealous and too ambitious persons who will go extra mile to bring down others.
Bukky said that his decision to contest for the senatorial seat was with the blessings and permission of the entire people of his senatorial district which he was not willing to relinquish or betray for anything.
He said, “My attention has been drawn to speculations in some quarters claiming that I, Muhammed Ibukun Abubakar Bukky, has withdrew from the senatorial race.
“I am still in the race. I have not stepped down for anybody. How will I step down and who will I step down for? I’m a leading candidate and experienced personality.
“I want to assure my supporters of purposeful representation, I want them to vote for me, as I have the humility, the experience and temperament that is required for the office. My relationship also cuts across party divides.”
“The withdrawal reports are mere handiwork of politicians who are intimidated by my massive gains in the last few months.
On the agitation for power shift to Lokoja-Koton-Karfe, Bukky said it is not visible for now.
He said: “I am aware of the recent agitation from few individuals that Lokoja-Koto should vie for the position of governor.
“But to me I think we should get our priority right. I am of the view that there are factors we should consider before agitating for governorship position. As far as I am concern there are certain things we need to do before we can think of becoming the governor of Kogi State.
“I am not unaware that we are qualified for the position of governor, but this is certainly not the right time to agitate for such position.
“As far as I am concern the political equation whether we like it or not , it does not favour us as at today and what the body language of our people are asking for is the senate position which of course is realizable.
“Politics has changed drastically, because in the past political leaders can decide for people but today it is the people who decide for themselves and from the body language of Lokoja-Koton-Karfe, the position we want now is Senate .
