The story making round that President Goodluck Jonathan and National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu conceded automatic tickets to about 40 senators to contest the 2015 election under the party may not be true after all.
According to Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, stated that nosuch deal was struck, Abatemi-Unman who said he was part of the meeting from beginning to end, described as misleading and untrue the report of a “harmonized” list of automatic ticket holders.
Speaking to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja Abatemi-Usman said contrary to the report that quoted an unnamed source, the source was a well-known Senator who has been trying to create the false impression
that he is close to the national PDP leadership and the Presidency,
even claiming recently that President Jonathan has endorsed him as the
next Senate President.
“My colleague should be careful as he is becoming known as the purveyor of dubious information. I was at the meeting from the beginning to the end and at no point was any list of Senators drafted. It is unfortunate that a fellow Senator would peddle such rumours and that respected national newspapers would publish the report without
checking the facts,” he said.
The ranking senator explained that during the meeting, the unnamed Senator had complained that his Governor was trying to scheme him out of office by installing his
political opponents as electoral delegates in his senatorial district.
“What our national chairman did after some Senators had spoken their minds was to look at the situation in each state, and he
said where there are issues they will be resolved amicably. If there was any such list my name definitely would have been included because the chairman said he is not aware that I am having any problem in Kogi Central while speaking on the situation in Kogi State.
” The chairman said the problem in Kogi West will be resolved. That was the manner in
which the Chairman went through all the States. Neither he, nor the President at any time mentioned names of Senators to be granted automatic tickets. It seems my colleague behind the purported report
is being mischievous in spreading this story and the public should disregard his claims”, he said.
