Former Kwara State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Rotimi Illiasu, has spoken out about his decision to challenge his replacement as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Kwara North. Illiasu emerged as the PDP candidate for the district through a primary election. However, the party later announced another aspirant, Kolo Jiya, as its candidate, citing an alliance with aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State.
According to Illiasu, he refused to relinquish the ticket, citing the transparent process through which he emerged as the candidate. Unlike the other senatorial districts, where candidates were chosen through consensus arrangements, Illiasu claimed he won his ticket outright through an election. He described the other candidates as placeholders, insisting that he could not be treated in the same manner.
Illiasu revealed that during a meeting with PDP leader Bukola Saraki, he was asked to voluntarily relinquish the ticket. However, Illiasu maintained that he won the ticket through an election and could not surrender the mandate given to him by PDP members in the district. Saraki reportedly expressed displeasure with Illiasu's refusal and insisted that the party's decision to withdraw the ticket remained unchanged.
Despite Saraki's stance, Illiasu decided to challenge his replacement in court, seeking justice and demonstrating that the judicial system could provide a fair outcome. He stated, "I went to court for justice, I went to court for people to know that court justice could be secured. If I lose, so be it, but if I win, then Allah has decreed." Illiasu's decision to take the matter to court has sparked debate within the party.
Illiasu also alleged that Moro Local Government Area had been marginalized in the distribution of National Assembly seats in Kwara North. He claimed that Moro was the only one among the five local government areas in the senatorial district that had never produced a senator or a member of the House of Representatives. This, he believes, is a reason for his determination to challenge his replacement.
The development has raised questions about the PDP's strategy in Kwara State, particularly regarding the selection of candidates. The party's alliance with aggrieved APC members has been seen as a move to strengthen its chances in the general election. However, Illiasu's court challenge has created uncertainty about the party's senatorial candidate for Kwara North.
The case is currently in court, and a decision is yet to be made. Illiasu remains committed to his cause, emphasizing that he is seeking justice and fairness. The outcome of the case will likely have implications for the PDP's chances in Kwara North and the overall dynamics of the general election in the state.
Key points
- Illiasu emerged as the PDP candidate for Kwara North through a primary election, while other candidates were chosen through consensus arrangements.
- Illiasu's court challenge is seeking justice and fairness in the selection of the PDP senatorial candidate for Kwara North.
- Moro Local Government Area has been marginalized in the distribution of National Assembly seats in Kwara North, according to Illiasu.
