Ekiti: Jonathan can lose re-election, Saraki says

Dr. Bukola Saraki

Former Kwara State governor and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to live up to expectation of Nigerians because he could lose re-election next year if he failed to do the will of the people.

Saraki said the outcome of the just-concluded governorship election in Ekiti State, in which the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, trounced the incumbent governor and the candidate of the APC, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, was a signal that the President could lose re-election in 2015.

The former governor, who is currently a senator, said in a statement on Sunday that Fayose’s triumph was a victory for democracy and for the people of Ekiti State.

He said, “It is important that around the clock, people want to be engaged. This should also serve as a lesson to Mr. President that as an incumbent it is very possible to lose in Nigeria if he fails to do the will of the people.

“I urge the governor-elect to see this victory as an endorsement of the expectations of Ekiti people for continued dedication to governance and a means for a focused and purposeful leadership.”

The former Kwara State governor noted that despite heavy military presence and alleged external intimidation, the election recorded a high turnout of over 51 per cent of the electorate who voted for the candidate of their choice.

He congratulated Fayose for his victory and Fayemi for conceding defeat and congratulating Fayose.

He said, “With this show of sportsmanship, it is my belief that other politicians will respect the wishes of the electorate and do the same in future elections to avoid violence and political bickering as demonstrated by the peace-loving people of Ekiti.

“I will also like to congratulate the electoral agency, the Independent National Electoral Commission, as it appears the body has shown remarkable improvement. This should also serve as a reminder to every politician in other parts of the country, especially Kwara State, that this is clear indication that Nigerians now know how to differentiate grass root politicians from seasonal politicians.”

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the PDP in Kwara State, Mr. Dele Belgore (SAN) has urged   Fayose to reflect over his massive support and ensure that the Ekiti people got rewarded for their loyalty.

Belgore, in a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye on Sunday said Fayose’s triumph was an indication that there was a limit to propaganda, no matter how well-oiled and smoothly delivered.