Except the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) swiftly intervenes in the crisis currently rocking its Lagos chapter, the party might suffer an implosion ahead of the 2015 election. One of its gubernatorial aspirants, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro is set to defect to the newly resuscitated Social Democratic Party (SDP). Obanikoro contested the PDP’s gubernatorial primaries in the state but came second in the race after polling 348 votes to Jimi Agbaje’s 432 votes.
However, the erstwhile Minister of State for Defence protested the outcome of the poll, citing irregularities, discrepancy and manipulation in the number of accredited voters and the eventual number of votes in the ballot box. According to a source within the Obanikoro camp, the former envoy felt cheated and deceived by the whole process, especially when it was clear that he had the majority of delegates backing his aspiration.
He stated further that Obanikoro’s defection is still being kept under wraps till later in the week when the party is expected to respond to his petition.
He said: “I can authoritatively inform you that the newly resuscitated Segun Osoba’s SDP is in serious talks with Sen. Obanikoro and his supporters. They want him to cross over and become the party’s governorship flag bearer in Lagos.”
“Although, he hasn’t taken the offer from SDP, but I can tell you that this may eventually happen if the PDP refused to give his appeal against the primary a fair hearing because it’s so surprising how PDP in Abuja has been silent since last week the former Minister submitted his protest to cancel the election.”
Source: Leadership
