Dare Babalola
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has praised Omar Bolaji Gambari for demonstrating maturity and loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after stepping down from a party contest in the interest of unity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Saraki described Gambari’s decision to support the party’s consensus arrangement as an act of statesmanship and commitment to the larger interest of the PDP and Kwara State.
Saraki noted that Gambari, despite being a first-time aspirant, displayed remarkable discipline and political understanding throughout the process, from obtaining his nomination form to signing the consensus agreement.
“I know stepping down was not an easy decision for you. You had every right to pursue your ambition to the very end, but you chose to place our party and our beloved state first,” Saraki said.
He added that leadership should not only be measured by electoral victories but also by sacrifices made for unity and stability within a political party.
“Great leaders are not defined only by the tickets they win, but by the causes they refuse to abandon. By choosing unity at a critical moment, you have shown that your commitment to the PDP and to Kwara goes beyond personal ambition,” he stated.
Saraki further assured Gambari of a promising political future within the PDP, expressing confidence that he would continue to play significant roles in the party and the development of Kwara State.
According to him, the PDP family remains fully supportive of Gambari’s political journey and contributions to the party.
The announcement of Kale Kawu as the consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State followed days of consultations among party leaders, stakeholders and aspirants ahead of the PDP governorship primaries scheduled for Sunday.
Saraki on Saturday said the consensus arrangement was adopted to strengthen unity within the party and position it for victory in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
Saraki also acknowledged the role played by other aspirants who agreed to step down in support of the consensus candidate, describing their decision as a sacrifice made in the collective interest of the PDP and Kwara State.
He urged party members and delegates to conduct themselves peacefully during the primaries, expressing confidence that the party would emerge more united and prepared for the governorship contest.
