Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has expressed confidence in winning the chairmanship seat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Saturday’s National Convention of the party.
Daniel is one of eight contenders for the coveted seat of chairman of Nigeria’s biggest opposition political party. His opponents are former Education Minister, Prof. Tunde Adeniran; former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George; former Acting Chairman, Uche Secondus; and former Lagos gubernatorial candidate, Jimmy Agbaje.
Others are: media mogul, Chief Raymond Dokpesi; former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Prof Taoheed Adedoja and former Oyo State Governor, Chief Rasheed Ladoja.
However despite the quality of opposition, Daniel believes he is the most qualified to take the mantle of leadership from Interim Chairman, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi.
In a Thursday interview with Premium Times in Abuja, he said: “I think I have a very good chance. I have paid my dues. But more than anything else, I have had unprecedented interaction with all the delegates across the length and breadth of this country.
“You must know that just yesterday I concluded a tour of virtually all the states of the federation. Some places I even visited twice.
“In the process, I could tell you that I appreciate and understand our party, the people and the challenges.
“I have also explained to the delegates the challenges we have as a party and the need for us to do the rightful thing on Saturday. When you look at that, it does appear that what one has been able to do is totally unprecedented. And I have no doubt in my mind that the delegates will do justice on Saturday.”
Also, he pleaded with candidates to allow their conscience be the judge in choosing a leader to chart the course of the party and nation forward.
“My advice to the delegates is that they should vote for their conscience and not allow themselves to be unduly influenced by, you know, material gains. They should appreciate that this is a vote for their future. A vote for their children and grandchildren. They should vote for the people they think can turn around the country by turning around the person.”