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The Kwara state political strongman, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki yesterday formally declared support for his daughter, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, to contest the governorship seat of the state in 2011. Senator Gbemisola Saraki is the younger sister of Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is the incumbent governor of the state.

Dr. Saraki hinged the decision endorsing the senator is borne out of the fact that she's the peoples preferred choice for the office.

But in a swift reaction, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have rejected the purported endorsement of Gbemisola candidature.

Addressing thousands of his supporters at his Olorunshogo Campaign Hall, the leader, Dr Olusola Saraki, said the endorsement of Senator Gbemisola Saraki to contest the gubernatorial seat of the state was borne out of the desire of the people of the state to sustain the developmental projects Dr Bukola Saraki had put in place.

He said although it is a very difficult thing for him to have accepted the request of the people of the state his vision for the development of Kwara is very paramount.

Dr Saraki mentioned that apart from Senator Gbemisola Saraki, only the Minister of Sport, Alhaji Isa Bio, had intimated him of his intention to vie for the governorship seat of the state.

He said as the political leader in the state he would not stop any one from indicating intention to contest the governorship seat, adding that the intention was in exercising their constitutional right.

While rejecting the Dr. Saraki's stand on the endorsement, the PDP in the state in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Isiaka Danmairomo said at the appropriate time, the party will provide a level playing ground for all interested aspirants to participate actively in the forth coming general elections in the state.

According to him, the leadership of the party was not aware that any candidate had been so endorsed as the party guidelines are very important on the emergence of any candidate for the party.

He said the party guidelines for the emergence of the political flag bearers as president, governor and other political offices had been released and sent to the states of the federation to be religiously adhered to.

"No part of the guidelines empowers any individuals or group of people except the party which will, in accordance with the guidelines conduct the primaries which will produce the flag bearer."