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Tag: atiku

  • 2019: Buhari, Atiku, others for mock poll

    AREWA Consultative Youth Movement (ACYM) is to conduct a mock election for seven intending presidential aspirants.

    President Muhammadu Buhari; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will partake in the mock poll.

    Others are Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwabo; former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi.

    At a news conference in Abuja yesterday, President of ACYM Kabiru Yusuf said the mock election would be held on the group’s website for 60 days.

    Yusuf explained that the mock election is to ensure that Arewa Youths support a youth-friendly candidate, who identifies with the vision and aspirations of youths for a united Nigeria.

    He urged those yet to be registered to do so, and others to collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs).

    Yusuf noted that it is time for youths to correct leadership problems in the country.

    “We must take the bull by the horns on our own. We must change the narrative that Northern youths are killers. The violence and bloodshed all over the North make the rest of the country see us so.

    “We must work together to change this wrong perception. The disunity between us and youths of other regions must end. We must extend hands of fellowship because we are clearly being isolated in this country. The time to make this correction is now. We must not delay any more.

    “The education, health and general well-being of Northern youths have never been their priority. They have failed us despite our support for them. It is time to change the storyline.

    “It is in line with this that we shall focus on the 2019 election. It is yet another chance to correct the leadership problems facing the North and Nigeria at large. We will give Nigeria a candidate that will unify our land, obey the rules and rebuild our land.”

  • Atiku: I’ll probe Buhari’s arms expenditure

    •Explains why he dumped APC

    President Muhammadu Buhari should be ready for a probe on arms purchase by his government if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar wins next year’s presidential election.

    Atiku personally served notice of the probe yesterday while featuring on BBC Hausa Service.

    Although the former vice president hailed the Buhari administration for checking the security challenge in the Northeast, he expressed disappointment that the insurgency has taken this long.

    He wondered why the military has been unable to defeat the terror sect, Boko Haram, after much expenditure on arms.

    He also shed light on his exit from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “I want to be the president of Nigeria because I would be able to do things I could not do as vice president,” Atiku said.

    “I will investigate how the government was unable to defeat Boko Haram for years. I will also investigate the procurement of arms bought by this administration.

    “Eight years after, Nigerian government is still fighting Boko Haram whose members are not professionally trained.”

    Atiku spoke against the background of the ongoing spat between the Presidency and the National Assembly over Buhari’s payment of $496million for the purchase of 12 Tucano military aircraft from the United States of America before seeking the consent of the National Assembly.

    Both chambers of the National Assembly are up in arms against Buhari on the matter, saying his action breached Sections 80 (1-4) of the 1999 Constitution.

    On anti-corruption figh, Atiku said his approach would be different from Buhari’s who, according to him, is protecting some of the people that should be prosecuted.

    His words: “there are people who are untouchable, they are doing things that are not in order but they are being shielded by the government.

    “If elected Nigeria’s president, my administration will not spare anybody. When I was in power, none of my relatives or friends was found wanting.”

    He recalled the role he played in the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “I was the person that sourced for the takeoff funds for the EFCC,” he said.

    Asked about his purported ban by the US government from visiting the country, Atiku said: “I requested for visa, they said it is under administrative process.

    “I’m not desperate to travel to America. I don’t have any investment there. The house I bought for my wife years back, she sold the house.

    “I don’t have anything to do in America. It’s my tradition, I buy houses for my wives but for me, I don’t need it.”

    He said the ‘ban’ would not in any way affect his ambition to rule Nigeria.

    “It’s not by going to America that qualifies one to be a president; it’s not in our Constitution,” he argued.

    He said youths would be favoured by him if he becomes president as 40 per cent of his ministers will be young Nigerians.

    On why he dumped the APC, Atiku said: “”The APC started on a wrong footing after President Buhari assumed office.

    “After 2015 general election, I met the president. I told him the activities of the party had been crippled and there was a need for restructure.

    “Also, the way the government was being run; I made my suggestions but it seemed they were deemed not important to them.

    “I said to him, if things continue like this, I will quit but Buhari  ignored it.”

    Atiku resigned from the APC last November to rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on which platform he became vice president in 1999.

  • Atiku to speak at Chatham House Wednesday

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will on Wednesday be a guest at the Royal Institute of International Affairs ( Chatham House ) in London.

    He is billed to deliver an address on how to unlock the immeasurable potentials of Nigeria to the benefits of its people for job creation, prosperity and security to all component units of the federation.

    A statement issued on Monday by his media office gave the topic of Atiku’s presentation as “The Importance of Strengthening State Economic Management Systems.”

    According to media office, Atiku’s presentation will lay bare novel and real prescriptions that if implemented, will help Nigerian states come out of their present economic quagmire and ultimately get Nigeria working again.

    “The Chatham keynote speech is one in a series of engagements by the PDP presidential hopeful to showcase the possibilities that exist in Nigeria and how to unlock its huge potentials to the good of all Nigerians,” the statement said.

    It added that the former vice president will also deliver another major keynote speech at the Invest Africa and British Council for Africa Annual Debate.

    It further stated that Atiku will be speaking alongside Dr. Liam Fox, International Trade Secretary of the United Kingdom Government, on building new trade partnerships in Africa.

    “These engagements are a follow-up to Atiku Abubakar’s meeting in June of 2017 with Liam Fox and Prime Minister Theresa May where they discussed the UK’s plan for increased trade with Nigeria post-Brexit.

    “The PDP presidential hopeful will also be the guest of honour at a lunch on Nigerian inward investment to be hosted by Lord Anthony St John (former UK Minister for Africa) and be a guest speaker at Round Table of key UK business leaders keen in investing in Nigeria at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall.

    “The visit to the UK by Atiku Abubakar, one of Nigeria’s most successful business leaders and foremost advocates for restructuring and free trade, is a continuation of his life-long commitment to find real solutions to help rescue Nigeria from its current economic crisis and set it on the path of economic growth and prosperity,” the statement added.

  • Atiku, Makarfi, Dickson, Omisore, others felicitate with Christians at Easter

    Former Vice President and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has felicitated with Christians as they mark the ressurection of Jesus Christ.

    In this, he was joined by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, PDP chieftain and former Kaduna State governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and former Osun State deputy governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

    In a statement released by his media office in Abuja to mark the Easter celebrations, Atiku called on Nigerians to emulate the virtues of love and sacrifice which characterised the life of Jesus Christ.

    The Waziri Adamawa described those two qualities as essential to the unity that Nigeria so desperately needs at this time when vested and provincial interests threaten to tear our nation apart.

    He also encouraged Nigeria’s leaders to use the opportunity of the Easter celebration to reflect on their stewardship to their people and to the nation.

    “Our leaders at all levels should follow the virtues that define this season – sacrifice, love and charity – and come together to help all Nigerians resolve the differences that divide us.

    We must not allow those who seek to divide us to pretend as if our problems are as a result of another ethnic or religious group,” Atiku said.

    On his part, Senator Omisore charged Christians as well as all Nigerians  to demonstrate the essence of Easter as exemplified by Jesus Christ, by living in love and harmony with one another.

    Omisore, a former Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation, gave this charge in a statement he issued to felicitate with Nigerians on Easter celebrations.

    “As Nigerians, we must eschew acts that will divide us further. We must embrace Christ’s attitude of living in love and harmony with ourselves and our neighbours,” he said.

    “It is not by chance that God put all of us in this environment called Nigeria. Whether as Muslims or Christians, we must remember always that we are our brother’s keeper.

    “We must promote all the enriching values that make our lives and society embodiments of godliness.”

    Omisore, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2014 governorship election in Osun State, urged the people of the state to be steadfast in their prayers.

    Bayelsa State governor, Hon, Henry Seriake Dickson, urged Nigerians, particularly Christians to jealously cherish and guide their faith by living a Christ-like life of selfless service, sacrifice, love and righteousness.

    The governor, in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, noted that, without the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, “our faith as Christians would have been a fallacy.”

    While stressing that Nigeria is presently at a crossroads, the governor called on Bayelsans to love one another, pray fervently for the peace, prosperity and stability of the nation and sacrifice for the common good of Bayelsa State.

    Governor Dickson also solicited for the maximum cooperation of the people and leaders of the state and the Ijaw Nation to enable his Restoration Government  consolidate on its legacy projects in order to finish strong by 2020.

    He said: “As we celebrate Easter, which of course is the basis of our faith as Christians, I urge Nigerians, particularly Bayelsans, to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ by words and deeds.

    “We must love one another and sacrifice for the common good of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

    “This country is facing daunting challenges which call for fervent prayers and hard work to surmount.

    “Our Government in the last six years has put Bayelsa State on the path of peace and prosperity. I therefore, solicit the continued cooperation and support of leaders and the people of the state to enable our  Restoration Government consolidate on its life-changing legacy projects and finish strong.”

    In his own message, Makarfi said in spite of various challenges, there is still hope for Nigeria.

    Jesus’ death and resurrection, he said, are everlasting reminders that it is possible for Nigeria to overcome its difficult situation and embrace great virtues.

    He asked Nigerians to eschew bitterness and embrace the spiritual legacies of Jesus Christ which can immensely facilitate Nigeria’s peace and progress.

    He sent “warm felicitations and greetings to the Nigerian Christian community, and indeed all Nigerians on this auspicious occasion of the Easter celebrations in memory of the legendary spirit of sacrifice and selflessness espoused and exhibited by Jesus Christ.”

    It is imperative, according to him, that this period be “used by all for meditation and sober reflections on the life and times of Jesus Christ and his sacrifices, with a view to imbibing  such virtues as humility, forgiveness, tolerance, good neighbourliness, respect and empathy for others’ feelings as well as love for one another.”

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Solomon Adeola, charged  his constituents and Nigerians in general to remain peaceful and exhibit the Christian virtues of sacrifice, love and abiding faith in a better tomorrow as exemplified in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    Adeola said the season symbolises a new beginning of hope and redemption for all mankind, adding that for all true Christians, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ means that all challenges confronting individuals and mankind are ultimately surmountable with fervent belief in God.

    The senator said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ gave mankind hope of a new beginning and a better future, stressing that in spite of enormous challenges confronting the nation, Nigeria is at the threshold of a better tomorrow.

  • ’Why Atiku put up $3.25m mansion on sale’

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has offered his posh Potomac, Maryland, United States luxury mansion for sale.

    The seven-bedroom cream-coloured single family brick house on 9731 Sorrel Ave, Potomac, Maryland, which he co-owns with one of his wives, Jennifer Douglas, is listed for $3.25 million on real estate websites, but currently on offer for $2.95 million, according to online newspaper  Premium Times.

    The newspaper quoted Atiku’s media adviser Paul Ibe as saying the decision to sell it was voluntary and an investment decision.

    “Atiku Abubakar is a successful businessman, who has a long history of real estate investments,” Ibe said in response to an enquiry by this newspaper.

    “The U.S. home was simply one of such numerous investments. The home was no longer serving the purpose for which it was bought. Consequently, it has to be put up for sale via open auction, a growing and preferred method of selling high end properties. The proceeds thereof will be deployed in business aimed at creating jobs.”

    The property gained international notoriety in 2005 after it was searched by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in connection with a bribery scandal involving disgraced former U.S. Congressman, William Jefferson.

    A pending offer means a buyer and seller of the property have reached a deal. However, a buyer can still pull out from the deal (which is very unlikely) if they cannot resolve issues like cost of repairs or they cannot get a bank to approve a loan for the purchase of the property.

    Atiku and his wife bought the 7,131 square feet house in December 1999 for $1.75 million.

    Built in 1988, the house was described on Zillow as one of the finest in the tony neighbourhood of Falconhurst, Potomac, where houses are valued between $2 million and $10 million.

    The Atikus’ mansion is a colonial-style building that sits in the middle of a 2.3 acres premises of lush green trees. The mansion has a total of 21 rooms, multiple terraces which are said to be ideal for outdoor parties, a pool sauna, a gazebo, a gourmet kitchen and an outdoor swimming pool.

    Sources with knowledge of the state of the mansion, but who requested not to be named because they did not want to be publicly associated with this story, said the Atikus had not lived in the mansion since the politician left office as vice-president in 2007.

    It was that after 2007, house service staff lived in the mansion for some years, but the place was later locked up, and had remained unoccupied.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Buhari, Atiku mourn ex-Adamawa Governor Michika 

    The first democratic governor of Adamawa State, Alhaji Saleh Michika, is dead.

    Michika died on Saturday night at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, Adamawa State, after a protracted illness.

    Governor Muhammadu Bindow’s media aide, Macaulay Hunohashi, confirmed Michika’s death in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday.

    According to him, the governor visited Michika at the hospital on Saturday but he was told of his death later at night.

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the government and people of Adamawa State on Michika’s death.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, commiserated with the family, friends and professional colleagues of the “astute administrator, political strategist and community developer”, who worked with reputable international organisations before bringing his experience and skills to contribute to the development of Nigeria.

    He lauded the deceased’s strong sense of patriotism and commitment to national development, which prompted him to alter his career path from the private sector and take up public office.

    The president believes the country will miss the wise counsels, visionary leadership and disciplined lifestyle of the former Adamawa State governor.

    A Federal Government delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, visited the family and prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort his family.

    Born in 1941, Michika was Adamawa governor between January 1992 and November 1993, following the creation of Adamawa out of the defunct Gongola State by the then National Republican Convention (NRC).

    He was buried yesterday in his hometown, Michika.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his grief over Michika’s death.

    Atiku, in a statement by his media office in Abuja, condoled with the family, people of Michika and the government and people of Adamawa State over the loss.

    He prays God to grant him Jannatul Firdaus.

  • 2019: Atiku to make formal declaration in two weeks

    2019: Atiku to make formal declaration in two weeks

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will formally declare his intention to seek the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of next year’s election in a fortnight.

    The declaration is scheduled for Abuja, according to the National Chairman of Atiku Cares Foundation and Director Youth of Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation (AACO), Aliyu Bin Abbas.

    The former vice president was also at the Silverbird Cinema yesterday in Abuja to watch the much-talked about Black Panther film, where he paid for all those who were at the film house to watch the movie.

    Abbas broke the news yesterday at the launch of the Street to Street Support Initiative (SSSI) for Atiku 2019 and the inauguration of national, zonal and states officers of the organisation.

    “He nearly shed tears when he (Atiku) asked me to reschedule another engagement to represent him here as he was overwhelmed by the massive support given to him by Nigerians especially the youths in his 35-year experience of being a politician,” Abbas said.

    He added: “He has suffered a lot from the hand of politicians but is consoled by the increasing support by Nigerians. In two weeks’ time by Gods’ Grace he will formally open his campaign office in Abuja under the platform of the PDP.

    “His message is that it is high time for Nigerians to vote out those in government due to their failure of helping the country out of its predicament and only resort to propaganda; and use and dump tactics.”

    The former Vice President was at Silverbird, Jabi Mall, Abuja, to watch the almost entirely black cast and a young African-American director, Ryan Coogler. The movie has received rave reviews for its stereotype-busting portrayal of Africa.

    Atiku reportedly paid for the tickets of all those who had come to watch the film, according to a twitter user who twitted “So @atiku came to the movies Today and bought Tickets for everybody. Commendable.”

    The former vice president’s presence at the movies has sparked a debate on twitter with many describing the his appearance at the cinema as an act that shows he is a man of the people.

    A tweet by one @favourdesimhi said, “This is no surprise to me for I know him to be a kind hearted man. He will make a better president in 2019.” Another user, @Frankkyboi, said it’s because of election. But @GabrielEtenika maintained “It’s not about elections, doing good is part of him.”

  • Nigeria’s structure breeds corruption, says Atiku

    Nigeria’s structure breeds corruption, says Atiku

    Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday reiterated his support for the country’s restructuring.

    He said the present structure is “deformed”, arguing that Nigeria’s political system of government breeds corruption.

    “Our current structure facilitates corruption and makes it more difficult for the kind of leadership being clamoured for to emerge.”

    He called for proactive decentralisation. While urging that corruption and bad leadership in the country be addressed, he observed that Nigeria was in dire need of restructuring in the face of its challenges.

    Atiku made the submissions at the public presentation of the book, ”In the Belly of the Vultures”, by veteran journalist, columnist and administrator Chief Adetola Adeniyi.

    The book, published by Canada Press, was reviewed by Prof. Ademola Popoola.

    Atiku, who was represented by Prof. Maxwell Gidado, called for civility and peaceful dialogue in the pursuit of the issue. “When we restructure, we will be forced to pay greater attention to production rather than rent-seeking. And the federating units will have greater autonomy to decide on their priorities and peculiar challenges.

    “While the strengthening of national unity, which it would promote, it is important, it is also critical for our economic development and wellbeing, which, in turn, are also important for political peace.”

    Vanguard Publisher Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu noted that the real issue is not just restructuring but how the restructuring would be directed.

    Amuka-Pemu said the reality in the country should be confronted and the ideas expressed by the author be put to test.

    Former Managing Director of the defunct Concord  Dr. Doyin Abiola said things might continue to go bad until Nigerians took decisive steps to salvage the situation for the sake of the younger generation.

    “I hope Tola’s book will spur us to another level, where we stop talking and start doing”, she said.

    Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, chief launcher, was represented by former Minister of Communications Maj.-Gen. Tajudeen Olarenwaju.

    Also in attendance were former Daily Times Editor Mr. Areoye Oyebola; former Ogun State Governors Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, Sen. Gbenga Kaka; former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko; former Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof .Modupe Adelabu; General Overseer of The Latter Rain Assembly, Dr Tunde Bakare and his wife, Olayide; Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu; eminent scholar Prof. Adebayo Williams and Prince Femi Banjoko among others.

  • Atiku, PDP condemn Adamawa killings, call for investigation

    Atiku, PDP condemn Adamawa killings, call for investigation

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the sectarian crisis in Adamawa State that claimed the life of the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Mr. Sam Zadock and 12 other victims.

    Also, the national leadership of the PDP has reacted to the killings by calling for full investigation of the incident.

    Atiku said he was deeply embarrassed and utterly shocked by the continuing cycle of violence, revenge and counter revenge by ethnic warriors and militias in the country, which have led to needless waste of precious human lives.

    Atiku noted that the reckless disregard for the sanctity of life is not only disturbing, but also shows the failure of local leaders to manage differences and grievances.

    He added that bloodshed cannot be the solution to those grievances.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media office, the former vice president said “our common humanity is greater than our ethnic and religious differences,” adding that the frequent resort to violence is inconsistent with the teachings of our religions about the sanctity of life.

    Atiku stressed that no society can achieve peace and happiness when love is replaced with violence, destruction, hate and bigotry.

    He called for cool headed approach to conflict resolution, instead of incitements to violence by ethnic and religious leaders, adding that those who encourage the destruction of life are unfit to lead others.

    He also called for increased vigilance and prompt response to early signs of developing violence or conflicts in order to nip such crises in the bud.

    The former vice president said the deployment of troops after lives had been lost “is tantamount to locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.”

    While praising the efforts of the security personnel and their sacrifices, he called for improved strategies and the use of human intelligence to foil mass murderers before they strike.

    He condoled with the Zadock family, families of the other deceased persons and the Adamawa PDP over the loss of their loved ones.

    The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, expressed shock over the gruesome murder of Zadock by gunmen.

    The statement said: “This killing of our spokesperson, who is known for his patriotism, dedication to national development and pursuit of the revitalization of our repositioned party in that state, must be subjected to full scale investigation, particularly in the face of rising speculations over the circumstances surrounding his murder.

    “While we appreciate the efforts of the military in its response leading to the arrest of some persons, we reject any attempt to wave off this killing without an exhaustive investigation by relevant security agencies and the report must be made public.

    “The PDP is particularly appalled by the fact that our nation is failing by the day, following the inability of the incompetent APC-led Federal Government to ensure a peaceful Nigeria and to provide adequate security for our citizens.

    “On a daily basis, the nation is inundated by news of gruesome killings and unabating violence across the country, with Nigerians being hacked down or abducted by marauders and insurgents under the inept APC government which has failed to take decisive steps to stem the ugly tide.

    “Gradually, our nation is being turned into a funeral parlour with bloodletting in Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, Zamfara, Enugu, Kogi, Ebonyi, Edo, Plateau, Nassarawa and other states across the country.

    “Indeed, we cannot continue to lose our fine, bright and talented citizens to bandits while those vested with the mandate to protect them are more interested in their ill-lucked 2019 re-election.”

  • 2019: PDP rejects automatic tickets for Atiku, other defectors

    2019: PDP rejects automatic tickets for Atiku, other defectors

    •Considers APC option for contestants
    •Zuma’s exit may alter Atiku’s equation
    •Saraki, Dogara in tight corner as
    APC woos Wammako

    There will be no automatic ticket in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for defectors from other parties when the PDP meets  to pick its candidates later this year for the 2019 elections, The Nation can now reveal.

    And this applies to the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (who has already joined the PDP), and  Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso  as well as  Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State both of who are yet to join the party.

    Established PDP members who are eyeing the presidential ticket include ex-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano); ex-Governor Sule Lamido (Jigawa); a former Interim National Chairman of PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi; Governor Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti); ex-Governor Attahiru Bafarawa (who is under pressure to join the race).

    Party sources said yesterday that the PDP turned down requests for automatic presidential ticket for some bigwigs in APC wishing to switch parties.

    Kwankwaso and Tambuwal are said to be testing the waters before making their next moves.

    But the APC is not relenting in persuading some of its stalwarts, including Senate President  Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker,  Yakubu Dogara, Sen. Aliyu Wammako, Sen. Danjuma Goje and Sen. Ahmed Sani Yerima, to remain within the fold.

    Sources said Saraki and Dogara appeared to be in a tight corner because they feel the APC have not been fair to them.

    The two leaders are said to be “patching” their stay in APC until what a source described as a “critical political stage” in a few months’ time.

    It was gathered that some  presidential aspirants from APC had given the  PDP some conditions for them to defect, the most critical being “ceding the  PDP presidential ticket” to them.

    The high level party source, familiar with the development, said: “About five APC stalwarts have approached PDP for talks but their request centered on giving automatic presidential ticket to them.

    “But the party leadership has said that while it is ready to welcome these leaders and new members to PDP, it cannot concede automatic ticket to any.

    “I think the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus and his National Working Committee members are being fair. There is only a ticket available; it will be difficult to promise five leaders the same ticket.

    “The PDP may adopt the same method used by the APC in 2014 by allowing all the aspirants to go for primaries and whoever wins the majority of votes will be the presidential candidate of the party.

    “This is the only safe and fair option available to us as a party now. We want to leave the race open for all to avoid any fresh crisis in PDP.”

    The source said the PDP, at its last National Convention, foresaw the likely defection of some APC leaders and presidential aspirants.

    “This was why we amended the constitution of the party which allows new members to come in within three months and aspire for any political office,” he said. “This concession is substantial.

    “Some APC governors are in talks with PDP and we are also deliberately wooing some strategic leaders. At the appropriate time when we have reached appreciable agreement, we will let Nigerians know.”

    Two out of the PDP aspirants may have suffered a little jolt but they still have enough time to recover.

    These are ex-VP Atiku Abubakar and Sen. Makarfi.

    A former governor said: “We warned Makarfi against dancing to the tunes of governors to allow the South-South to produce the National Chairman of PDP. But he did so because the governors had an unwritten agreement with him to give him the presidential ticket.

    “Now, it is apparent that the governors have really betrayed him. They are no longer keen on him. He is battling to consolidate his structure.

    “As for Atiku, the exit of ex-President Jacob Zuma will affect the international dimension to his candidature. Having been very close, Zuma had been in the vanguard of selling Atiku’s candidacy to world leaders.

    “The home front is also shaky for Atiku with the shift of loyalty to Buhari by Governor Jibrilla Bindow and the continuous defection of PDP leaders and members to APC in Adamawa State. The appointment of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, has shrunk Atiku’s base.

    “It is not surprising that the President will be visiting Adamawa this week as part of his pulse-feeling shuttles to some states under the guise of commissioning of projects.

    “The increasing interest of the First Lady in the politics in Adamawa State might further deplete Atiku’s camp.”

    But it was obvious last night that the PDP governors might still play a crucial role in determining who will get the presidential ticket.

    “These governors had their way with delegates at the last convention and the game may not be different during the presidential primaries,” another PDP leader said.

    Investigation however revealed that since some parties may merge with PDP, some Northern leaders may insist on giving the slot to an underdog to clip the wings of some political leaders who have become “veteran presidential candidates.”

    A key Northern leader said: “While the PDP remains a solid alternative to APC, we are also thinking along getting an underdog to break away from this cycle of ambitious presidential aspirants.

    “We think the talks and negotiation on PDP presidential candidate may be broad based than what the party is looking at.

    “And if you look at the pattern since 1978, the negotiation may not lead to the presidential ticket for any of these big names they are already peddling.

    “It is not new to have an underdog as President. In 1978, ex-President Shehu Shagari wanted to be a Senator, he ended up as the presidential candidate of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN); the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua wanted the ticket of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) but the late Chief M.K.O got the slot and his election was annulled in 1993.

    “In 1998, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted only freedom from Yola Prison but he became the President against favoured leaders of G-34 and in 2007, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua secured PDP presidential ticket on a platter of gold. And the same luck was the lot of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 and 2015.”

    On its part, the  APC has launched a counter-plot to also woo some PDP governors and leaders to its side.

    The ruling party is battling to retain some of its match-makers like ex-Governor Aliyu Wammako, ex-Governor of Yobe State, Sen. Bukar  Abba Ibrahim, ex-Governor Danjuma Goje;  ex-Governor Saidu Dakingari; ex-Governor Bayo Alao-Akala and others.

    A source in APC said: “As for Wammako, the exit of Governor Tambuwal will enable him to have his political structure back in Sokoto State and install his own man as the new governor. The perception is that Tambuwal is not loyal enough.

    “But loyalists of Tambuwal have disputed any strain in the relationship between their boss and Wammako. They cited the renovation of Wammako’s house in Abuja by the state government, after an inferno, as a mark of his loyalty.

    “Some forces are also trying to woo ex-Governor Attahiru Bafarawa who was one of the leaders that initially worked with the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later APC.

    “Contrary to assumption, there is no political alliance between Tambuwal and Bafarawa. In fact, Bafarawa has been begging the Sokoto State Government to pay his entitlements since he left office in 2007. He even sent a message some months ago but no action has been taken.

    “Whatever may be the game plan, I think there is also a plan to make Wammako the Deputy Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Organisation of Buhari for the 2019 poll.

    “As for Goje, he already has the APC structure back in Gombe State and this puts him in good stead for 2019 poll. But being a political ally of the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, APC leaders are unsure whether or not he will leave the party.

    “Concerning Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, he practices politics without bitterness and the degrading of Boko Haram insurgency might make him to remain in APC. He is also consistent in not joining PDP since 1999.”

    It was unclear last night where Saraki and Dogara are heading to.

    A top source close to them merely said: “It is a bit dicey for them, they are still engaging in talks and some political permutations.

    “I think we know what Saraki went through, especially his trials. He is not comfortable with APC because it can be worse if Buhari gets a second term.

    “Also, Dogara is politically tied to the apron strings of Tambuwal who has not given a clear cut direction of his next step.

    “Besides, the APC has not addressed the crisis of confidence between Dogara and the Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar. Instead, the presidency identifies more with the Governor than the Speaker.”