Babangida, others no match for Jonathan —Olaosebikan

A Peoples Democratic Party chieftain and spokesman of the Oyo State chapter of Goodluck Jonathan Support Group, Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan, in this interview with OLALEKAN ADETAYO speaks on the chances of President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2011 elections and the crisis rocking the party in the state



You are the spokesman of the Goodluck/ Akala Campaign Organisation in Oyo State, what do you think are the chances of the President in the PDP, especially as the controversy on zoning persists?

President Jonathan‘s chances are very bright. He is certainly the candidate to beat. I have read many analyses done by the media, politicians and other eminent people all pointing to the fact that Jonathan would emerge as the presidential standardbearer for PDP. And after winning the primaries, his credentials, capacity and sterling performance would earn him victory at the poll. He will secure an overwhelming success at the poll. His chances are valid bright.

To me, the issue of zoning had been laid to rest. It is only a few spent forces and idle tribal bigots seeking relevance that are still grating our ears on the issue. The party had spoken; the President himself offered some plausible and convincing explanations. Rather than unduly overheating the polity, anybody that still feels otherwise only needs to work hard for whoever he is supporting for the plum job.

Are you not disturbed about the move to present a consensus northern candidate?

I am not disturbed a bit. I only feel very bad and sorry for one of them. I feel bad because while the majority of Nigerians are working firm towards solidly strengthening our unity, some elders including one that had ruled the country before for eight years and another one that had been the number two citizen for eight years are undercutting the unity of the country as a result of selfish and un-realisable interests. The person I really feel sorry for is the Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, a young man in the mould of Babatunde Fashola, Donald Duke, Ngozi Okonji-Iweala of contemporary Nigeria. It is very sad and pathetic that that a young man would rubbish all these good credentials and image acquired over time for an ambition at un-auspicious time. They are desperate strange bed-fellows. Even if they come up with a consensus candidate, they will still fail.
Even if he finally clinched the party‘s ticket, do you think the Jonathan will be able to stand against any northern candidate like Gen. Muhammadu Buhari or Nuhu Ribadu from other political parties?

In Goodluck/Akala Campaign Organisation, we place emphasis on issues. Because we believe, it is the best and most effective and responsible way of reaching out to the electorate. We educate them about our brand and what we have in store for them. As it is known globally, Jonathan has the best academic qualifications among all the aspirants that have come out so far. Also talking of running mates, Namadi Sambo has the best and most inspiring qualifications so far. In terms of experience, Jonathan is second to none. He is at present on the job. He knows it inside out. He was a Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice-President, acting President and now President. I do not see any basis to compare him with any of these two or any of the aspirants at all. He stands out in all ramifications. If eventually he is pitched against any of these two you mentioned or the two rolled into one, Jonathan would make a mince-meat of them.

PDP in the state is heavily polarised. What do you think is the cause of the crisis?

The problem in Oyo PDP is beyond ordinary politics and ambition. It is borne out of inordinate ambition, hatred and self centeredness.

As a chieftain of the party, are you aware of any steps taken so far to resolve the crisis?

Several steps have been taken and some are still on-going. The major problem here is the control of the party, not in any reconciliation whatsoever. The main interest of the faction led by Senator Rasheed Ladoja is the executive of the party and that is all. Ladoja knows the solution to the problem. If he wants sincere reconciliation, it does not take him and the governor more than 10 minutes.

Don‘t you think that going for the 2011 poll with a divided house may deny the PDP of electoral victory?

Some of these people you are referring to are pretenders. They say one thing to the press and act differently privately. As I am talking to you a number of them are begging the party leader to absorb them back into the party. They are begging for party tickets. Although one cannot rule out the possibility of some leaving the party, I know quite sure that PDP will win at least 70 per cent of the votes in all the elections.
Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201011210371423