Gombe: PDP’s Barde to undertake inclusive campaigns, aide assures
By Kayode Fasua
The camp of Alhaji Mohammed Jibrin Barde, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State, has assured members of the party that its principal will deploy inclusive campaign programmes to accommodate the interest of other contestants who lost in the May 5 primaries.
In a chat with our correspondent on Saturday, the Media Adviser to Barde, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said his boss, popularly known as Danbarde, despite winning 48.8 per cent of the total votes in a six-man contest, saw no reason to enjoy the victory alone.
He said Barde, contrary to nay-sayers, has been magnanimous in victory, noting that his magnanimity is a demonstration of his character of being gracious to political opponents whom he had bested.
“In the words of the Indian scientist, Deodatta Shenai-Khatkhate, ‘Good leaders are always magnanimous in victory; treating their opponents with dignity and respect shows their noble character as much as their high class,'” he quoted.
He stressed that the expression aptly captured the personality of Barde as a good, noble-charactered leader who showed dignity and respect for those he contested against.
Alluding to Barde’s magnanimity, Usman noted, “The implication of Barde’s graciousness in victory shows that he is a leader of inclusivity and a believer of collective strength to achieving tasks.
“A cursory look at the reason for the success of any organisation or association in any competition always shows the power of teams who are determined to play together and win as a team rather than individual display of talents which leads no where.’
He added that this personality of Barde in sharing his moments of victory with other contestants is the strongest character that is expected of a good party-man and a testament that he believes in collective strength in tackling challenges.
“Many pundits have predicted after the PDP primaries, the fallout of the election would be the beginning of crisis in the party especially amongst the two favourites –Barde and Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna (Sardaunan Gombe).
“The truth is that Barde as a person has never disregarded the Sardaunan Gombe as he has always regarded him as his elder brother and respects Dr Jamilu because the Sardaunan Gombe is a renowned philanthropist who has done a lot for the good people of Gombe State.
“The truth is, anyone who disrespects the likes of Dr Jamilu is an enemy of Gombe State because of Jamilu’s contributions in providing thousands of youths with jobs and empowering lots of women too.
“Barde acknowledges this and highly respects his elder brother as he often calls Dr Jamilu. With the support of the likes of Sardaunan Gombe, the PDP will be more placed in a vantage position to shoot down all hindrances that may deny the PDP the opportunity to exit the room of opposition and occupy the Gombe State Government House in 2023,” Usman explained.