The President-General of Orisun Igbomina, a socio-cultural group for the people of Kwara State, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, doubles as a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with SAHEED SALAWU, he speaks on the unfolding events in the state and national politics. Excerpts:

There have been agitations from some quarters calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to re-contest in 2015. What is your take on this?

Let us start by congratulating President Jonathan on his numerous achievements in promoting democratic practice, despite the numerous challenges facing the nation. If you take a critical look at the current administration, you will agree with me that it has surpassed the previous government in terms of infrastructural development, the rule of law and fair play. Also, the emergence of Jonathan is a testimony that he is ordained by God. His endorsement for a second term is not in any way a mistake.It is a well-deserved honour that must be given to him and must also be followed up in order for it to become realistic.

Why do you think he deserves another four years as president?

The various road projects such as Benin-Ore, Lagos-Ibadan, Mokwa-Makera, Kotangora-Jega, Kabba-Ilorin Expressways, among others, that are under construction are not only developmental but also desirable to the people of the areas in which they are located. Similarly, the revival of the railway transport system will not only reduce the rate of road accidents in the country to the barest minimum, it will also go a long way in meeting the demands of the downtrodden. He has not only performed well, he has really transformed the Nigerian economy. By and large, I know that with a unity of purpose among Nigerians, Nigeria will soon overcome the insecurity challenges it is currently facing.

Don't you feel concerned that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) is really strategising to wrest power from the PDP?

How many are they in the so-called APC that you are talking about? Ask them what their mission, vision, and agenda for the people of Nigeria are. If you look at their line up, you will discover that the brains behind the formation of the party are no longer there. Where are the likes of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Nuhu Ribadu, Tom Ikimi, and Chief Segun Osoba, among many others? As I speak with you, they are all formidable members of the PDP. They have all dumped the APC and not only that, they left with their political structures; thereby leaving APC with people of selfish political interests. When you even look at the circumstances that led to the formation of the party, you will not expect that the party will live beyond 2015. Therefore, by the time Mr President declares, we expect that more people from the opposition party to join the train towards transforming Nigeria beyond 2015.

It is being said that the PDP in Kwara is divided?

If anybody tells you that Kwara PDP is divided, such person doesn't really know what democracy is all about. In an ideal democratic setting, there is need for disagreement and later agreement on issues for the growth and development of the nation. Therefore, what we are witnessing in the Kwara PDP is nothing but pure democratic practice, where the views of all are being aired before decisions are taken. For example, in Kwara, the current executive council was constituted by the party members not by any godfather by way of imposition. Also, as the 2015 gathers winds, aspirants have started expressing their interests in one position or the other in which party primaries will later determine who becomes the standard bearer. This is unlike what used to happen when everything was determined in the 'Great Hall' of the Sarakis. Our members have since returned to their respective wards in preparation for the electioneering exercise; they are currently busy sensitising and mobilising their kit and kin.

Now tell me, how many aspirants have come out in the APC to ask for anything? None! We are actually clamouring for transparency, accountability and sense of belonging by all members, irrespective of their background to prevail in the polity. So, for us in Kwara PDP, we are united, committed and also dedicated to the cause of gaining freedom for our people.