Former Governor of Kogi State, Chief Clarence Olafemi has berated aspirants who pulled out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries after failing to purchase nomination forms.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Olafemi noted that some of the governorship aspirants failed to conduct honest self appraisal before joining the race.
He stated that the governorship seat comes with lots of benefits hence the desperation by many to occupy the position.
“The position of Governor of a state is not only attractive but lucrative, reason why everybody desire it and wants to be there one day. We all know that being in that position attracts power, influence and goodwill as such so desired by all that some people will do everything possible desperately to have it.
“For any one to attain that position and any other position for that matter, he need very honest self appraisal before putting his hat in the ring. You need to ask yourself in the process some very honest questions; am I qualified to contest the position? If yes, do I have the resources to cope? Do I also have the structure on ground to lean on to ensure victory? After giving a honest self appraisal and honest answers to these questions, then and only then should one decide to plunge into the contest. If along the struggle you feel you can not continue, you honourably withdraw quietly or pursue another goal and leave the rest to God.
“It is however sad to note that some of our esteemed governorship aspirants are reverting to complaints, blackmail and all sort of damaging statements against the party over what they call high cost of nomination forms.
“The fees for nomination and expression of intent forms were released over two months ago, so why is the complaint coming at the close of collection when some even thought they said it’s affordable but were unable to purchase them? Blaming the party and pouring all sort of venom on it is to say the least very unfortunate,” he said.
Olafemi appealed to people of conscience among the aspirants to kindly tow the path of honor by either picking the forms or bow out quietly without rocking the boat of the party if they cannot afford it.
“What we rightly observed is that most people are never equipped enough for the contest but they come with a bait whereby they will gamble with some few Naira and the moment they get the ticket they become a liability on the party.
“We experienced this at the last general elections, especially House of Assembly election where after winning at the primaries of the party most candidates don’t have a Kobo of their own to prosecute the election.
“I want use this medium to appeal to all aspirants to be conscientious enough to tow the path of honor and stop blaming the party for their inability to purchase the forms.
“We should also understand that as a student wanting to write exams, it is not within your purview to set the question for yourself.
“There are four authorities which we must follow to get the work done. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the Electoral Act, the PDP Constitution and the party guidelines. All these authorities are established to ensure that anarchy does not reign,” he stated.
