The representative of Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Buruji Kashamu, on Thursday decided to back the Ladi Adebutu faction of Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the presidential and governorship elections in Ogun State.
Kashamu and Adebutu had been in court over the governorship ticket of the PDP in the state.
Although the PDP had recognised Adebutu as its candidate, the Court of Appeal directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to list Kashamu as the party’s flag bearer.
However, in a statement by Buruji Kashamu, he ordered his supporters and associates to work with members of the Adebutu group in the interest of the party.
The statement reads: “It is true we are in court. But, we are hopeful that the issues will be resolved sooner than later. However, in the overall interest of the party, it is better and wiser for us to work together as members of the same family pending the resolution of the issues in court.
“We may have had our disagreements and issues, and have submitted them to the court for adjudication; yet, we have been talking to one another.
“We reckon that whichever way it goes, the court cannot bring about genuine reconciliation and peace. So, we have resolved to be agents of peace and reconciliation. Let us put aside our ego, prejudices and personal interests, and work together for the Party – in the hope that whoever carries the day will work for the Party, its members and the generality of the people.
“It is in the light of the foregoing that I wish to formally and publicly urge all my leaders, elders and supporters to work with the Ladi group within the Ogun State chapter of the PDP ahead of February 16 and March 2, 2019 elections. Irrespective of our differences, we are members of the same family. At the end, it is the party that wins; not any individual or group.”