I’ll No More Contest For Governorship – Sen Solomon Ewuga
- Explains Why He Withdrew From Contest
Five times he aspired for the governorship of Nasarawa State and each attempt left some dust behind. He aspired for the ticket of the PDP in 1998, he contested for the ticket of the governorship on the platform of PDP in 2003. In 2007, he aspired for the governorship ticket for PDP. The same thing in 2015 and 2019.
Until few weeks ago, he had indicated his interest to give another shot at the governorship of Nasarawa State.
He desired to clinch the governorship ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Nasarawa State for the 2023 governorship election.
However, reports had it that he has withdrawn from the contest for the ticket of the PDP and from the governorship election.
There were reports of about five people eyeing the Governorship ticket of the PDP for Nasarawa State. The names being talked about were: Senator Solomon Ewuga, Hon Labaan Maku, Hon Davematcis David Ombugadu, General Nuhu Angbazo and Senator Suleiman Adokwe.
Against the backdrop of his overwhelming influence and past exploits in politics, Senator Ewuga was seen as a very strong contender that could give the APC a hard run for their money.
However, he has withdrawn from the race for the governorship ticket of the PDP in Nasarawa State.
This much he confirmed to Eggonnews in an interview recently.
When asked the reason for the withdrawal, he said: “First and foremost, I am convinced that I am doing the right thing.
“Secondly, at a certain point, you have to take responsibility for your actions. And I think my consultation with people and after going through my Bible … Before then, some people were saying that if I don’t run, let me support my younger ones; and that if they don’t step down for me, let me support my younger ones. I didn’t see them stepping down for me.
“Thirdly, I want the party to win, and the only way we can win is though cohesion, and not divided attention. Right now, my own focus is to try and see that, as much as possible, we should all work together to see that the unity of the party far surpasses any other consideration.”
From Eggonnews interaction with Senator Ewuga, the PDP is not leaving any stone unturned as there are concerted effort by the PDP to work on the aspirants to follow the footstep of Senator Ewuga and step down for only one person to make their Governorship primaries a mere formality.
How far have the efforts gone to yield the desired result, Eggonnews asked Senator Ewuga, and he answered thus:
“So far, my indications are that there are four people, but we are working toward seeing that we reduce that number. They are talking to themselves and we are talking to them. This is where we are.
“A lot of these things depend on the way you look at them. We should be open to them; they must be seen as looking at each other as equals; they must be seen as being ready for the success of the party not individuals. I think this is where we are. So, we still have about five weeks or so to go for the primaries on the 24th of May.
“The good thing about it is that there is going to be a long time for campaign and that will determine whether we will win. And don’t forget, there is a sitting government and so we have to work harder than normal.”
How ready is the PDP in Nasarawa State to win the elections in Nasarawa State?
Senator Ewuga responded: “First and foremost, the PDP is energised to win. Secondly, PDP is coming to the people of Nasarawa State in the same humble way they have always done to win election. Thirdly, the PDP will use every available opportunity to ensure that success is gained. That is the only way, because there is an incumbent government on ground. And winning is not a child’s play, even in an ordinary election.
Can PDP defeat a sitting government? Any possibility?
“There’s a strong possibility. It has happened before, and there is nothing that rules that out. The idea is to plan your strategy well, work hard at it, and you will get the desired result.”
The last attempt at Governorship?
When asked if he will still aspire for governorship in future elections, he was quick to answer:
“If I say I will try that after this one, don’t you think I am being irresponsible?
“I have every reason to be grateful to God for what He has done in my life.
“So, yes, this is the last attempt.”
However, this is not to say he has retired from politics as he will work to ensure his party, the PDP wins elections in Nasarawa State.
