UPDATE: Ex-Convict Joshua Dariye Set To Join Peter Obi’s Labour Party, Run For Senate

Adeleye Kunle Reports

All is now set for the recently released former Plateau State Governor, Senator Joshua Dariye to declare interest to contest the Plateau Central senatorial seat on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).

TrackNews reports that Dariye and former Taraba governor, Jolly Nyame were, on Monday released from prison three months after their pardon by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Council of State.

Dariye spent about four years in prison out of his 10 years’ sentence for N1.126 billion fraud.

According to Daily Trust, the Plateau State chapter of LP has concluded arrangements to welcome Dariye from Abuja to pick the party’s senatorial form.

The source, a Labour Party official, said: “Yes, it is true that he (Dariye) will be running for a Senate seat. We are making arrangements for him to come from Abuja for the senatorial declaration.”

According to the party official, the former Plateau State Governor has the capacity to spring surprises at next year’s election because of the love many have for him in the North-Central State.

He stated Dariye has also given a boost to the party’s governorship candidate, Patrick Dakum, who defected to the LP, after failing to secure the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

TrackNews recalls that Dariye, who served as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, defected from the party. He contested and won a senatorial seat in 2011 on the platform of LP.

The Labour Party has former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate.