*** Makes official declaration to delegates
By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Hon. Danladi Ibrahim Bababudan, one of the leading contesters in the race for Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituecy on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), says he is still in the race.
Bababudan, while addressing the party delegates on Thursday at the Lokoja local government PDP secretariat in Lokoja denied stepping down as being insinuated in some quarters, saying, “that will not happen.”
He called on his supporters in the Constituecy to disregard claims he had stepped down, describing it as “unimaginable, unthinkable and machinations of some very overzealous and too ambitious persons who will go extra mile to bring down others.”
Bababudan who was a former Lawmaker that represented Lokoja 2 State Constituecy at the Kogi State House of Assemby, said his decision to contest for the position was with the blessing and permission of his constituents, adding that he would not dash their hope if elected.
The aspirant, who said his ambition remained intact, expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious at the PDP primary election.
Addressing the delegates, he said, “My attention has been drawn to speculations in some quarters claiming that I, Danladi Bababudan has stepped down from the race for the position of Lokoja/Kogi House of Representatives.
“I am still in the race. I have not stepped down for anybody. How will I step down and for who?
“I am one of the founding members of the PDP, an experienced personality who served in various ad-hoc committees in the party.
“I urge you delegates to support and vote for me as I promise to provide purposeful representation.
“I have the humility, experience and temperament required for the office and I have been a very loyal party member. My relationship also cuts across party divide.”
He, however, said the speculation of the formal endorsement of an aspirant was the handiwork of selfish elements in the party who ware self-serving and desperate to cause disharmony among party stakeholders.
“I have been screened and cleared by the party screening community sent from Abuja to Kogi State, yesterday.
“On my aspiration, I want to use this medium to once again appeal to all the delegates to give me their vote.
He said, “I am seeking for a seat in the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituecy to raise the bar of political representation, demonstrate leadership capacity that will surpass our previous and current experience, as well as address the weaknesses of previous and ongoing administrations, and build on their gains to set a prospect for the future.
“Above all, I am hoping that my adoption and subsequent election as the candidate to represent the PDP in next year’s election will help redress the lopsidedness in the Federal Constituecy.”
Bababudan also appealed to delegates to support his aspiration in the interest of equity and fairness.
Pictures at the event:
