PDP Chairmanship: Boost in Daniel’s Camp.
The bid for Chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has received another boost as former governor of Kano State and erstwhile Minister of Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, declared that the party needed a quality leader like the former governor at this critical period.
This was coming on the heels of general approval of other distinguished statesmen and former leaders who the front line politician has met as he crisscrossed the country for consultation.
Earlier in the week, former President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), declared that Daniel is the best among those aspiring to lead the party at the national level.
According to Shekarau, the PDP is more concerned about the quality of who will lead the party and that is why Daniel’s ambition is being taken with all seriousness.
His words: “I assure you, we’ll be on the same page. We’ll mobilise for you and see how it goes”.
“You can count on my support. As a matter of fact, I initiated this project (Chairmanship), you remember I whispered it to you at your 60th birthday”.
“OGD incidentally you’re in the news all over the north. I listened to the news of your endorsement by IBB on Radio Kaduna this morning, it was very detailed. That radio covers many parts of the north. Everyone now knows you have gone to receive blessing from the right quarters”. Shekarau then promised to mobilise other members for him before the forthcoming national convention of the party.
IBB, who said he was quite excited when he learnt that Otunba Gbenga Daniel was interested in serving his country, described Daniel as a ‘breathe of fresh air.’
Said he: “I was elated when I first heard that you were interested in volunteering yourself for this great service to our country. You represent the breathe of fresh air that the Party deserves at this stage.
“I know OGD very well and I know his unparalleled capacity for work. I have a strong conviction that with OGD as chairman, the Party can be turned around again”.
“I am supporting you because I know you very well. OGD, you’re my Chairman in waiting.”
It would be recalled that OGD also visited former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar (rtd.) and a former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, who separately enjoined PDP members to rally support for OGD in his ambition to be the next National Chairman of the party.
They stated that OGD has all the requirements to take the party to the promised land in the nearest future and serve as a rallying point for all members.
It should be noted that many bigwigs and major stakeholders in the party have thrown their weight behind the former governor in his quest to be the next National Chairman of the party making references to his achievements as a two-term governor of Ogun State and accomplishments as a successful private individual describing him as a true servant leader, detribalized, visionary and a man of his words.
