WHY I HAVE NOT PAID MY 11m PDPNomination FEES BIMBO OWOLABI

Sequel to the meeting of Ekiti Guber aspirants with President Goodluck Jonathan, the President had made it clear that he wanted a process that will throw up a consensus candidate. He explained that his interest in the consensus arrangement was to reduce unnecessary decimation of aspirants’ finances and unnecessary rancours that accompany party primaries.

I have studied the President and have come to believe he is more interested in economic empowerment of the people over waste on politics. He has made clear that, “integrity”, “proven track records in professional calling/political assignment” and “grassroot appeal” are the key points required in choosing the party candidate.

I decided to shun the exorbitant amount levied on Ekiti Guber aspirants for the 2014 elections (N11 Million) as a matter of principle. I had advocated a less amount to have a more inclusive contest. A more inclusive contest will augur well for the PDP in the general election. I had also opined that positions should be harmonized to give each aspirant a stake regardless of who eventually emerges as the party candidate.

I decided to spend the N11Million nomination fees on 110 Ekiti youths as Small Scale Business Grants. I am at peace with my decision because my action is a continuation of what I have been doing in the past, empowering the youths of Ekiti. The party needs to discourage money bag politics so as to encourage more decent people to participate. Such huge nomination fees encourage pilfering whilst in office.

I pray the party will have a rethink to guide against another rounds of crisis. I have personally funded the party at the LG, Senatorial, and State levels since 2011 just to discourage the hijack of our party by those who see politics as an investment. I pray for more decent people to join us and not be discouraged.

I am in consultation with other disenfranchised aspirants about our next line of action but I am hopeful our great party the PDP will take steps to remedy the situation. After all politics is a game of numbers.