President Goodluck Jonathan is leaving no stone unturned to ensure hitch-free primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election later in the year.
To ensure this, Jonathan has pledged to remain neutral in the upcoming primaries.
President Jonathan gave the assurance on Saturday during a closed door meeting with all the PDP aspirants in Ekiti State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Present at the meeting were the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd.); a former Governor of the state, Ayo Fayose; Senator Gbenga Aluko; Senator Bode Olowoporoku; Dayo Adeyeye; Bisi Omoyeni; Abiodun Aluko; Yinka Akerele; and Femi Bamisile.
Olubolade confirmed the meeting in a chat with State House correspondents on Sunday.
He commended the President’s stand, saying: “What the President said was that he has not endorsed anybody.
“That means every aspirant can become the governor.
“That is good for democracy.
“What we need to do is to take it in good faith and learn the lesson he has offered and use it not to make the mistake of the past so that election will be free and fair under a peaceful atmosphere.
“This is what is important for all of us.
“Definitely, a governor will emerge and I think the President has set the pace to ensure that violence does not take place with that kind of a meeting.
“All the aspirants embraced it and they were happy.
“That is leadership and we commend Mr. President for that.”
Olubolade expressed confidence that politicians in the state would also behave themselves to ensure hitch-free primaries.
He spoke further: “It is usual that when election is approaching, people are agitated, they are troubled.
“Everybody wants to outdo the other person.
“It is a natural thing, so it is not put of place.
“But as soon as we get closer, things will start to take shape.
“It is in our interest that we conduct a free and fair election.
“It is in our interest that we recognize each other’s capability.
“When a winner emerges, we should all take it in good faith.
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