March 27, (THEWILL) – Deputy National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Setonji Koshoedo speaks on the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun; the newly signed Electoral Act 2022 and the PDP’s preparation for the 2023 general election, in this interview with AYO ESAN. Excerpts:
Many Nigerians are looking up to the PDP for succour after enduring hardship from the APC. How would you assure them of the PDP’s readiness to win the 2023 general election?
The issue is not just about winning the general election; what we do after winning it is more important. The PDP, through its recent antecedents in terms of management and reforms, has shown Nigerians that it is more politically mature and prepared to redirect governance for the good of individual Nigerians and the nation at large. So, we are ready not just to win the election, but also to utilise our success at the polls for the good of everyone.
How prepared is the PDP for the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States?
Members of our party in Ekiti and Osun States are working hard to win the governorship elections. To the best of my knowledge, they are doing their best to win. However, the will of God is sacrosanct. So let’s wait and see what plays out eventually.
There are two PDP governorship candidates in Osun at present. How soon can the party resolve the issue?
As far as the party is concerned, the PDP has a single candidate in Osun State. The party has a process for selecting its candidates as provided for by the electoral law and backed up by the Constitution of the Federal Republic. We have followed the due process and we are going to work with the candidate that emerged from the process. It is normal for some people to have dissenting voices against the outcome. The party is working hard to reconcile all factions to win the elections and that will hopefully be achieved soon.
Are you surprised about the lingering crisis in the governing APC?
Not at all. A house built on a faulty foundation will surely develop cracks and eventually collapse. The founding of the APC was faulty ab initio. So I can’t be surprised they are in crises. In fact we are just seeing the beginning of the crises.
What is your take on the new Electoral Act, especially the section that mandates political parties to produce their candidates for elections earlier?
Every review of any law ought to improve on the provisions. The new Electoral Law has come with improvements on the older version. It’s a good idea to produce candidates long before elections. It allows for longer time and better interaction between the candidates and the electorate. It is a way of allowing the electorate to scrutinise the candidates better before elections.
What qualities should Nigerians look for in the next president?
Nigeria is a complex country. Whoever to govern Nigeria must see it beyond just an ambition. Nigerians should expect a president that has leadership qualities beyond mere political to meet their needs. First, the incoming President of Nigeria must have enough leadership qualities to harmonise and attend to the diverse interests. Second, is that the president must be intuitionally sound to be able to draw inspirations from his sixth sense to govern. Third. He must be highly detribalised and focused to enable the unity of Nigeria. And most importantly, the incoming president must have clear vision and how to achieve it; he must have a manifesto beyond just political talk.
What are the PDP’s chances of occupying Lagos Alausa Oval office in 2023?
A great chance better than ever before, this time around. People have suffered and they now realize their mistakes and the fact that power is in the hands of the electorate. I only hope that they use it well to make PDP occupy the oval office.
About the Author
AYO ESAN, has been actively reporting and analyzing political events for different newspapers for over 18 years. He has also successfully covered national and state elections in Nigeria since the inception of this democracy in 1999.
