By Kayode Adeoti
A chieftain of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara state, Hon Yekeen Alajagusi has attributed the results of the last Saturday local government election in the state to people’s desire to turn out en mass and cast their vote.
He disclosed this while speaking with this medium in Ilorin even as he added that Kwarans are now awakened to their civil right to vote and be voted for in any election.
He added that though the election was riotous in some areas in the state but people were still able to speak their minds through their votes adding that they’ve realised that sitting at home on the day of election is not democratically right.
He said, “The local government election is a pointer for all parties of what 2019 holds. Awareness has come to people of the state, election is not about party but about liberating our state. Our electorate are better informed.
“If there were no snatching of ballot papers, burning of ballot boxes and scaring of people with gun and the likes, PDP would have had more votes and invariably win more seats in the state.
He however considered the leadership crisis brewing in the party as an internal arrangement that will soon be resolved adding that the party must truly unite now that the general election is fast approaching.
Alajagusi however condemned the arrest of members of his party during the election by the state security operatives adding that the basis of the arrest is very questionable and that many of them did not commit the offence they were charged for.
“It is unlawful arrest; some of those arrested were jubilating that their candidate won the election, while some that went to the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) to hear the announcement of the results were not allowed to return home. Is that good, I want to urge our leaders especially those in the government to work with the fear of God.
“Prince Sunday Fagbemi and Iyiola Oyedepo are all fighting for the good cause of the party, thought in a different way, but I can assure everyone, the matter has died now. In last state Congress held, some people from Fagbemi side won some seats.
“In the executives of PDP today, nobody takes all, it was about sharing, Fagbemi group won Treasurer, state youth leader and some others. We will all work together to ensure progress for the party and justice for the state”, he added.
