To the surprise of pundits, the two proposals fell like a pack of cards and all the 15 cleared presidential aspirants are now in the game. However, only a few are considered ‘serious contenders’ among those on the field criss crossing the six geo-political zones, soliciting for votes from delegates at the party’s convention slated for May 28th, this year.
The fact is that now that former President Goodluck Jonathan is contesting, it is expected that governor Bala Mohammed will automatically withdraw from the race. Now, the big question is how will the almost 4000 delegates vote at the national convention to elect the party’s presidential flag bearer? However, it should be noted that the influence of former Governor Ibrahim Idris, who is not in Saraki’s camp, cannot be wished away. The preponderance of opinion is that local sentiments favour Saraki
But in the last few months, Wike has also made inroads into the state through his association with Hon. Ombugardu. The votes of delegates from the state may be shared between Saraki and Wike, with the former having an upper hand. The governor also does not enjoy the support of Idoma people because he did not choose a successor from among them. They have vowed to work at cross purposes with him during the convention, and the governor, like every other delegate, only has a vote.
Meanwhile, Sokoto State is considered a given for Tambuwal, who is in full control of party hierarchy and structure. Tambuwal is also said to be holding the ace in neighbouring Kebbi State. However, Alh. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is in control of the PDP structure in the state. He is however well disposed to Saraki whose family the lawyer has long association with. Turaki may swing a considerable number of votes to Saraki.
In Kano State, whereas Senator Rabiu Kwankwanso has left the PDP, his influence will be a major determinant on how delegates will vote, as whoever aligns with him has a great chance. Despite the fact that Kwankwanso has left the party, his group demonstrates strength. A former governor of the state, Ibrahim Dankwambo, who is leading Wike’s campaign has been accused of abandoning the party since the last three years that he left office, only to return when Wike signified interest in contesting. This is one big minus for Wike.
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