*Says it’s imposition

By Emeka Mamah

KADUNA— A governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State, Alhaji Sulaiman Othman Hunkuyi, has dismissed the adoption of President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa as presidential and governorship candidates of the party, respectively, in the state.

He said non of them had declared his interest in the race.

Stakeholders of the party met at the Kaduna International Trade Fair Complex two weeks ago and endorsed
Jonathan/Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo presidency as well as the perceived governorship aspirations of Yakowa and his deputy, Alhaji Ramalan Muktar Yero for 2011.

However, Alhaji Hunkuyi said the processes adopted by the so-called stakeholders in adopting their candidates for 2011 were not only illegal but unconstitutional.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna, Hunkuyi said neither President Jonathan nor Governor Yakowa had so far shown interest in the positions for which they were being endorsed, wondering whether it was possible to “sell what has not been displayed in the market shelf for sale”.

His said: “While I stand to be corrected, I know that what they have done can never hold water.
“I was a contestant even before Patrick Yakowa declared to contest and I am not even aware that he has declared his intention.

They’ve not declared interest

“Until today, I stand to be corrected, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has not declared interest. From where then did they get the endorsement?

“How do you endorse somebody that does not tell you that he is out to contest? What called for the endorsement? How can you sell what has not been put in the market? Who put them in the market to sell as candidates?

“Who did they speak with to tell him that they are in the race? Until today, Hunkuyi is not aware that Patrick Yakowa is contesting an election.

“There is no way you can launder the image of what is wrong. It cannot happen in 2011 when we are talking about credible election.

“What they have done is imposition which is contrary to both the PDP constitution and the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

“The intention of the law is to create internal democracy. How can about 50 people gather and claim to represent about six million people of the state by bringing out a candidate in the PDP?

“It is highly unacceptable, undemocratic and it can take nobody anywhere. That is what I have to say about it.”