Defection: Kwara PDP harmonisation c’ttee dumps nat’l sharing formula, adopts consensus

By Mumini Abdulkareem

The Kwara State harmonisation committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to look into the sharing of positions between the old and new members have reportedly dumped the sharing template okayed by the national leadership of the party, it was gathered, last night.
The decision to allegedly abandon the arrangement for a more robust bargain was based on the magnanimity of the Senate President and national leader of the party, Dr Bukola Saraki.
Although the national leadership of the party after the defection of Saraki and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State from the ruling All Progressives Congress had set a ratio of 40-60 between the old and new PDP members respectively for positions in the state, local government and ward levels, the new arrangement was hailed as unprecedented in the state.
A member of the committee who confided in this medium said the national headquarters of the party is aware of the local arrangement and is happy about the sacrifices that are being made.
According to him, the two camps see themselves as family rather than people coming from different political parties.
“We resolved among ourselves that the 40-60 sharing ratio that was given to us as template should not be sacrosanct.
“Eventually, we are still going to belong to the same camp. So why do we have to be adamant on the sharing ratio. We see it (the ratio) as a kind of incentive or guide and where we consider that to be very unnecessary, we go for consensus that is beneficial to the two parties.
“In some instances, the old PDP were given more than the new PDP, which demonstrates that Saraki is not adamant to take over the party.  The old PDP camp was very pleased about the whole scenario and they are hopeful and optimistic that the future in this new partnership is very bright.
“We have gone far and we see ourselves as one big family not as people from different political parties. The positions were shared in a very peaceful manner without any misgivings.
“You will notice that recently having met the Governor, the old PDP went to Abuja to meet with the Senate President and they had a good rapport. What is paramount to the two sides of the party executives is the need to get people who can really do the job, it will be easily considered and vice versa”, he added.
He said the Ishola Balogun-Fulani led APC is still intact in the state following the court ruling in its favour on the issue.
Meanwhile, the committee has submitted its report of the outcome of its joint meeting on the harmonisation exercise.
According to a statement signed by a member of the committee and former minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, on Sunday, members commended the Senate President and the National Leader of the PDP, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for his leadership acumen, political maturity and his spirit of unity in-diversity, peace and progress.
Present at the event which was held at the residence of head of the committee, Alhaji  Razak Lawal on Saturday were Prof. Sulaiman, Chief S.A Adedayo, Chief Lanre Ogundeji, Chief Henry Olaosebikan, former Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Mohammed and Alhaji Abdulkadir Oba-Ajara.
Others were; Alhaji Atanda Zoroh, Hon. Ladi Edun, former commissioner for Water Resources and State Auditor PDP, Hon. Ahmed Aho, former House of Reps member, Hon. Bashir Oni, state Woman Leader, Hajia Fatimah Mogaji, state Treasurer, Gabriel Olatunji, Mallam Kamil Akaso, former member House of Reps Hon. Ayo Idowu, Alhaja Nurudeen Kasali and pioneer state woman leader of the party, Alhaja Bola Olumoh.
Also present were; Hon Yunusa Yahaya, Barr. Ibiyeye as well as other old PDP stalwarts.
“The Senate President was even more magnanimous when he advised that more windows of concession be opened where necessary between the two sides for good and harmonious working relationship to achieve the desired common goal that gave birth to the merger.
“…this new development is a good omen for advancing Kwara State forward politically and we therefore pledge unalloyed loyalty, support and solidarity for the Senate President and for God’s protection and deliverance from the hands of detractors on his present travail”, the statement added.