Kwara: APC, PDP draw battle line with conclusion of state congresses

The recent congresses of the APC and the PDP in Kwara State have become a milestone in the battle for the soul of the state in 2015. Our correspondent reveals how the emergence of an exco for the two parties has reinforced this.

that would never come true, with Saraki insisting that his father’s political structure remains relevant and potent to win all elections in 2015 for the APC. In fact Saraki recently dared President Goodluck Jonathan who vowed to join the struggle for the emancipation of Kwara and proclaimed that the PDP would re-capture the state.

To what extent can the PDP go in displacing Saraki and reclaiming the Government House? Ultimately, the people of Kwara public would be the decider in 2015. But beyond the freedom mantra, analysts believe the PDP has got to convince the electorate it is a true and genuine alternative to APC. What are its programmes and policies if elected? Are they different from those of the APC or Saraki from 2003 to 2011? Also, it is believed that the election would provide an avenue for PDP gladiators who have once worked with Saraki to prove their relevance and popularity to deliver for PDP. How far they would go would undoubtedly depend on the level of support enjoyed in their constituencies and how they have impacted on their constituents when they were in government a decade ago.

Handling intra-party election for nomination into various elective offices especially the governor could pose a challenge to the PDP amidst the multitude of interests and gladiators that would want to take a shot at the governorship come 2015. This challenge, many believe, could evaporate if the chairman’s promise to give a level playing field for all aspirants is fulfilled which implies that all aspirants would have to go all out to sell themselves to party’s delegates.

Though the APC on its part controls the government, it would be facing the stiffest opposition from PDP. Besides, analysts say its incumbency power would be better put to use by showing concrete and verifiable evidences that the present administration has lived up to expectations in the last two and half years of being in government. The performance of its federal and state lawmakers, according to pundits, would count for and against the party in 2015.

As the 2015 election approaches, there is no doubt that the battle-line has already been drawn by the two dominant parties.