Withdraw From Gubernitorial Race- PDP Tells Obanikoro

There seems to be a looming crisis in the Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the leadership of the PDP from Lagos Island local government yesterday advised former Minister of State (Defence), Senator Musiliu Obanikoro to withdraw from the Lagos State governorship race.

But in a swift reaction, the Obanikoro Campaign Organisation said it is committed to a free and fair PDP primary.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos, leader of the party on Lagos Island, Engineer Kamal Giwa said, "the outcome of the state constituencies primary has shown that Senator Obanikoro is not popular within the Lagos PDP".

Giwa said "the handwriting on the wall clearly shows that Obanikoro is a forgotten politician as far as politics in Lagos is concerned."

He, however, said that "it is clear that Obanikoro's wings has been clipped and we want to advice him to withdraw from the governorship race forthwith because we know he wants to act as a spoiler for the opposition."

Also, Mr Nurudeen Lambe, who spoke on behalf of the PDP youths, said "The results of the constituency elections of our party has shown that he has lost the governorship race in the PDP. This results shows Obanikoro is no longer popular on the Island and in Lagos."

But in a swift reaction, the Obanikoro Campaign Organisation faulted the remarks saying it is committed to a free and fair primary.

Obanikoro's special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Ohimai Amaize said "we appreciate the fact that youths are getting actively involved in the political process. We identify with the youths as springboard for Lagos development, however, we are committed to a free and PDP primary election."

Obanikoro, however, said "if Jim Agbaje think he is unpopular, he should not use the youths as smokescreen. He should come out and test his popularity."

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