TheCable

President Goodluck Jonathan says his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will win the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Jonathan spoke on Saturday at the formal presentation of the party’s flag to its governorship candidate, Mr Ayo Fayose, in Ado-Ekiti.

He said that his optimism was based on the tumultuous crowd that trooped out to welcome his entourage right from Akure Airport en route Ado-Ekiti.

Jonathan said that he was thrilled by the crowd, saying the party’s candidate could not afford to lose the poll if such display of affection translated to votes.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, and Chairman Board of Trustee of PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, all echoed Jonathan’s optimism that the party would win the poll.

The president had also visited top Ekiti traditional rulers, who converged on the palace of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, where he promised to transform the Akure-Ikere-Ado-Ekiti federal road into a dual carriage one.

Also addressing the crowd, Sambo said Fayose would provide remedies to the problems of unemployment and irregular payment of salaries and would make workers’ welfare his priority, if elected governor.

Anenih said that PDP was not in competition with the All Progressives Party (APC) which, he alleged, had already lost the election as a result of ”poor record of service”.

In his speech, Muazu said that Fayose had the popularity to return Ekiti State to the PDP.

Addressing his supporters, Fayose advised the APC-led government in the state to start the process of disengagement, as he was ready to win a landslide victory in the June 21 poll.

NAN reports that the 10,000 capacity stadium, venue of the rally, was filled to the brim while most shops and markets did not open for business.

The rally was also attended by PDP governors, National Assembly members, ministers as well as party chieftains across the country.

The other candidates in the election are the incumbent, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (APC) and Hon. Bamidele Opeyemi (Labour Party).