PPN justifies Daniel’s presence at campaign rally

PEOPLES Party of Nigeria (PPN) yesterday said the presence of Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State at its campaign rally in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Monday was in order. The party contended that Daniel, being the South-West Coordinator of the Goodluck/Sambo Presidential Campaign Council, was statutorily empowered to canvass votes across party lines and from all walks of life. In a statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Raheem Ajayi, the PPN said since it had demonstrated commitment towards the presidential ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan in the April general elections, there was nothing wrong if Daniel attended its rally as the campaign coordinator of the President. Daniel had attended the PPN rally, held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, where the party’s governorship flag bearer, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, and other candidates vying for various elective positions campaigned ahead of the forthcoming polls. The PPN spokesman, however, described the governor’s approach as the most effective and practical way to secure votes, “if we all believe in one man one vote policy, which all Nigerians are yearning for.” Ajayi added: “It is also imperative to note that as a successful South-West Campaign Coordinator of Goodluck Jonathan for President, we feel OGD is statutorily empowered to search, fish out and canvass for eligible votes across party lines, public/private sector and in all works of life, in support of his principal, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. “Such approach to us as a party is the most effective and practical way to secure votes, if we all believe in one man one vote policy which all Nigerians are yearning for in the coming elections. It was in line with this principle that our party, the PPN, will continue to welcome OGD in his South-West Coordinatorship capacity to attend to present, intending and emerging supporters and lovers of Goodluck Jonathan for President via meetings and rallies and so on. “This will naturally take OGD to all wards and local governments of his state as the primary catchment areas of all political parties that have indicated interest or declared their respective supports for Jonathan as the next President.” The PPN, which stated that it was aware of several discussions Daniel held with other political parties in the quest to boost Jonathan’s support base, urged the governor to remain undaunted in his efforts. Said Ajayi: “We encourage OGD to remain undaunted in his focused efforts in giving relentless reciprocal attendance and support for maximum victory at the April polls on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan. We are also aware that OGD has had a series of discussions with the leadership of NCP, CPN and other parties in his quest to obtain maximum votes for President Jonathan. “Lastly, our party will continue to seek electoral support through legitimate means in line with the provisions of Electoral Act 2010 as amended. It is on this basis that we beckon on other political parties to eschew violence and play the game fairly with high sense of decorum.” By Kunle Olayeni courtsey of: Nigerian Compass