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Tag: Tambuwal

  • Killings in Nigeria: ‘Hide your face in shame, only a witch is quick to accuse others of witchcraft’ – Youth group fires back at Tambuwal

    The Nigerian Youth Impact Movement (NYIM) has strongly frowned at the recent comment by Governor Aminu Tambuwal, accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of being responsible for the politically-motivated killings in Nigeria.

    Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives had stated that the killings across the nation boil down to failure of leadership, stressing that the “growing spate of mindless shedding of innocent blood” has brought a new dimension to the reprehensible state of insecurity in the country.

    “That is not what Nigerians voted for in 2015″ Tambuwal had said.

    Reacting however, the youth group stated that it is very disheartening to see people who were in the helms of affairs in the old regime known for wastage, nepotism and grand corruption to cast aspersions on the person of President Buhari.

    Odoh Chima, Executive Director of the group in a statement warned Tambuwal that despite eyeing the number one seat, he should not throw caution into the winds.

    According to Chima, Nigeria relapsed into a recession shortly after the take off of the present administration because the 7th National Assembly under Tambuwal didn’t do their job in checking what was happening in the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA and Petroleum Ministry.

    He said, “Tambuwal as a matter of fact has undermined the war on corruption by terminating all corruption cases against members of his cabinet accused of stealing N1.5 billion public funds.

    “While billions of public funds are being squandered in the name of the electorate without commensurate social infrastructure in Sokoto state despite receiving successive funding as bailouts, Paris club refunds in addition to the regular monthly subvention from the federal government.

    “He therefore has no moral justification to attack the person of President Muhammadu Buhari on any grounds because as a matter of fact, he has a case to answer.

    “Talking about overhauling the Nigerian security architecture our question is, what did he do when Nigerians were killed like animals during the last administration while he was the speaker of the house?

    “We view this call as unfortunate and Ill conceived but we are not surprised because Tambuwal has again proven himself to be the chameleon that he is.

    “While we are not against his hobnobbing with the opposition which he now clearly belongs, we are warning him to stop playing politics with the lives of Nigerians.

    “The Nigerian security architecture as presently constituted has performed remarkably well, no wonder they have decapitated the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists, quelled all insurrections around the country and currently working to end the persistent farmers-herders crisis.

    “Tambuwal and his co-travellers should know that no amount of blackmail to score cheap political goals can deter Mr President from delivering on his promises which he has continued to do.

    “Comments like these amount to hate speech because they are capable of inflaming the already tensed situation around the country.

    “Much as we know that the evil intent of Hon Tambuwal is to paint Mr President in a bad light and turn his people against him, we also can now clearly see that he is one of those who have seen President Buhari as a convenient scapegoat on account of his ethnicity.

    “Now that investigations have it that the recent killings have a political undertone, it is very clear that while we are hearing the voice of Jacob, the hand we feel is that of Esau.

    “Stereotyping a particular ethnic group who have lived peacefully with their host communities for hundreds of years because of one man has put the innocent Fulani man at harm’s way.

    “Only a witch is quick to accuse others of witchcraft there is no way Hon Tambuwal can tell Nigerians he knows nothing about the grand plot to destabilize Nigeria.”

  • Tambuwal blames killings on failure of leadership

    •Governor faults security architecture •CAN to Fed Govt: expose herdsmen sources of arms

    SOKOTO State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has blamed the killings in some parts of the country on failure of leadership.

    Tambuwal, in a statement yesterday, said the deaths were avoidable and preventable.

    He said: “The worst part of all this is that these deaths are avoidable and the killings preventable. It boils down, at the end of the day, to failure of leadership. Nigeria cannot progress and be part of a 21st Century forward-looking world by creating new batches of mourners every other day. This is not the way to go. That is not what Nigerians voted for in 2015. That is not what will build a virile, united, politically stable and economically prosperous African giant.”

    The governor commiserated with families of those killed across the country.

    The statement reads: “I wish to commiserate with the families, friends, colleagues and associates of all our beloved fellow citizens, who lost their lives in the persistent and senseless killings now occurring in all parts of our dear country. Indeed, the growing spate of mindless shedding of innocent blood, especially of policemen and other security personnel on their lawful duty posts, has brought a new dimension to the reprehensible state of insecurity in the country.

    “Last May, three policemen were shot dead in Sokoto State by kidnappers, who abducted a Syrian national they were escorting. A few days later, four police officers were ambushed and killed in Benue State. Last week, seven policemen were reportedly gunned down in cold blood in Abuja, and their arms and ammunition taken, by unknown persons. This is happening amidst repeatedly reported cases of attacks on police stations and other security facilities in various parts of the country.”

    It added: “The question from every law-abiding citizen today is: ‘Who will protect us, when even those constitutionally charged with the responsibility of protecting our lives and property have, themselves, become vulnerable targets of criminals? Where shall we run to for protection, when the institutions of State put in place to protect us are being progressively dismantled by opportunistic criminality and the trained personnel are also on the run?

    “It bears repeating for me to state here that Nigeria’s security architecture and the strategies currently adopted and deployed for national security, if any, need a comprehensive overhaul. It is not working. The needless waste of life everywhere, both those of trained security personnel and ordinary citizens, is a drain on the nation’s resources and an unacceptable diminution of our valuable human capital.”

    This came as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged the Federal Government to expose the sources of weapons being used by herdsmen in attacking persons in parts of the country.

    CAN National President Rev Samson Ayokunle told reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, after delivering a State-of- the-Nation address at the 2018 Special Prayer Rally organised by Church Leaders and Ministers Fellowship of Nigeria, in conjunction with the state CAN.

    Rev. Ayokunle urged the Federal Government to overhaul the composition of the country’s security architecture.

    He warned yesterday that government would earn the respect of Nigerians only if it performs its duties responsibly.

    He said it was time the Federal Government woke up to its duties of securing the lives and property of Nigerians.

     

  • Tambuwal blames killings on failure of leadership 

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has blamed the killings in the country on failure of leadership.
    Tambuwal, in a statement he signed and released on Tuesday said the deaths were avoidable and preventable.
    “The worst part of all this is that these deaths are avoidable and the killings preventable. It boils down, at the end of the day, to failure of leadership. Nigeria cannot progress and be part of a 21st Century forward looking world by creating new batches of mourners every other day.
    “This is not the way to go. That is not what Nigerians voted for in 2015. That is not what will build a virile, united, united, politically stable and economically prosperous African Giant,” he said.
    The former House of Representatives Speaker commiserated with families of those slain across the country.
    The statement reads: “I wish to commiserate with the families, friends, colleagues and associates of all our beloved fellow citizens, who lost their lives in the persistent and senseless killings now occuring in all parts of our dear country. Indeed, the growing spate of mindless shedding of innocent blood, especially of policemen and other security personnel on their lawful duty posts, has brought a new dimension to the reprehensible state of insecurity in the country.
    “Last May,three policemen were shot dead in Sokoto State by kidnappers, who abducted a Syrian national they were escorting. A few days later, four police officers were ambushed and killed in Benue State. Last week seven policemen were reportedly gunned down in cold blood in Abuja, and their arms and ammunition taken, by unknown persons.
    “This is happening amidst repeatedly reported cases of attacks on police stations and other security facilities in various parts of the country.
    “The question from every law abiding citizen today is: “Who will protect us, when even those constitutionally charged with the responsibility of protecting our lives and property have, themselves, become vulnerable targets of criminals? Where shall we run to for protection, when the institutions of State put in place to protect us are being progressively dismantled by opportunistic criminality and the trained personnel are also on the run?
    “It bears repeating for me to state here that Nigeria’s security architecture and the strategies currently adopted and deployed for national security, if any, need a comprehensive overhaul. It is not working. The needless waste of life everywhere, both those of trained security personnel and ordinary citizens, is a drain on the nation’s resources and an unacceptable diminution of our valuable human capital.
    “Every policeman or military personnel is someone’s father, mother,brother, sister,uncle, aunt or friend. The number and frequency of deaths is undermining our humanity, making us less sensitive to the gravity of the situation we are in today and also creating a new generation of Nigerians, who may  get accustomed to inhuman acts as the norm.”

  • Tambuwal, Wamakko crisis deepens 

    The crisis of confidence between Soktoo State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and his godfather, Senator Wammako, has deepened. It led yesterday to the dissolution of the State Executive Council (SEC).

    The SEC, which comprised Wammako supporters (50 per cent), was dissolved after two weeks of political brickbats by the two leaders.

    The cold war blew open at the National Convention of the APC when Wammako’s man Abubakar Makama Mainasara, contested against the National Vice Chairman of the party, Alh. Inuwa Abdulkadir, backed byTambuwal.

    It was learnt that shortly after, a rally, allegedly sponsored by the state was staged in Sokoto against Wammako, who got wind of the plot and hurriedly left the state.

    Although a statement last night was silent on the motive for the sack of the SEC, a top government official said: “It was time for the governor to draw a line between him and Wammako. The SEC had to go because 50 per cent of the commissioners were foisted on Tambuwal.

    “Those who want to remain with Tambuwal can conveniently pledge their loyalty and those for Wammako should follow him.

    “The two leaders are certainly no longer on the same page politically.”

    A statement by the Director – General, Media and Public Affairs, to the Governor, Mallam Abubakar Abu Shekara, said: “The Governor of Sokoto State,  Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has dissolved the Sokoto State Executive Council with immediate effect

    “The dissolution is aimed at restructuring and re-strategising the cabinet for optimum efficiency and service delivery to the good people of Sokoto State.

    “While thanking members of the Council for the dedication, sacrifice and loyalty to the administration, the Governor  expressed appreciation to the people for cooperating with and supporting the outgoing members of the Council towards achieving the success recorded.

    “The commissioners would hand over the affairs of their respective Ministries to the Permanent Secretaries.”

  • Tambuwal dissolves cabinet

    Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, on Wednesday evening dissolved the State Executive Council.

    The dissolution was aimed at restructuring and re-strategizing the cabinet for efficiency and effective service delivery to people of the state.

    The dissolution takes immediate effect.

    The Director-General of Media and Public Affairs to the Governor, Mallam Abubakar  Shekara, disclosed these in a statement in Sokoto.

    The governor thanked members of the Council for their dedication, sacrifice and loyalty to the administration.

    Tambuwal also thanked people of the state for supporting the ex-cabinet members during their stint in the state executive council.

     

     

  • Wike is a promise-keeper, says Tambuwal 

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has described the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as a promise-keeper.

    Tambuwal spoke yesterday while inaugurating the College of Medical Sciences building at the Rivers State University.

    Wike berated Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi for failing to attract a single project to the state and resorting to falsehood on the execution of projects in the state.

    Tambuwal said: “I am tempted to recommend Governor Wike so highly. He is the ‘Ekwueme of Rivers State ‘. It only takes a leader with a vision, passion and commitment to come up with this idea and implement it.”

    He lauded Wike for projects that are tailored to the needs of Rivers. He said such projects will enhance the development of the state.

    “The projects are tailored along the needs of the people Rivers State.  This is a trend in governance to deliver projects based on the needs of the people.”

    He stated that posterity would vindicate Wike.  He urged leaders to focus on development and de-emphasise issues  that generate disunity .

    Wike said it was unfortunate that  Amaechi would lie about projects delivered by the present administration to improve the living condition of the people.

    “There are several projects which were initiated, constructed and commissioned by my administration.  Amaechi didn’t have meaningful projects, that is why he had no projects to commission. We have meaningful projects and we will continue to commission them.

    “Projects like Sakpenwa-Bori Road, National Industrial Court, Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, Rivers State Ecumenical Centre, Federal High Court Complex, Court of Appeal, Igwuruta-Chokocho, College of Medical Sciences building, Elelenwo-Akpajo, Traditional Rulers Secretariat, Rumuokoro Market and Park, Bonny-Bille-Nembe Jetty, Government Secondary School, Onne, Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta  and several others were the brainchild of this administration.

    “Our projects have overwhelmed them, everyday they are worried. We are here to contribute our efforts to the development of Rivers State “, Governor Wike said.

    He said instead of complaining about the high level performance of the present administration, Minister of Transportation should focus his energy on the completion of the Port Harcourt International Airport, revival of  the seaports and the completion of the East-West Road.

    “Look at the dilapidated nature of the Port Harcourt International Airport, the abandoned seaports and the neglected east-west road. Amaechi has not attracted a single project to Rivers State .

    “As a Minister of State for Education I brought the Faculty of Law  at the University of Port Harcourt.  I also attracted the Claude Ake Faculty of Social Sciences Building.  I attracted major  grants of N500million each to Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Bori, Ignatius Ajuru University and ensured the major rehabilitation of over 22 Primary and Secondary Schools in the state .  As Minister of Transportation, what have you done, what have you brought to your people. I challenge him to tell us just one project he attracted  to Rivers State “, the Rivers State Governor said.

    On Rivers State University, Governor Wike noted he will ensure that the institution becomes the best. He assured that the School of Nursing will be reconstructed to ensure that it becomes part of the College of Medical Sciences.

    He added that the State Government will build a proper hostel to replace the prefabricated hostel in the institution.

     

  • How to stop killings, by Tambuwal

    Governor Aminu  Tambuwal of Sokoto State is making a fresh case for state police as part of the measures to stop the incessant killings in the country.

    He said yesterday in Sokoto that it was time leaders at all levels accepted responsibility with regards to the current security challenge rather than continue to pretend that all was well with the nation.

    “Everything is wrong with our nation and we must, as a matter of urgency, rise to the challenges,” the governor said while declaring open a meeting of the  National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Sokoto.

    Tambuwal who spoke against the background of the current wave of killings in the country said the development has reinforced the argument for state police.

    He said the present political architecture in the country does not grant state governors control over security in their states.

    He frowned at a situation where a state police commissioner can ignore phone calls from the state governor   even when the call has to do with security issues.

    He said the situation should be reviewed immediately.

    “Whether we like it or not, there is seeming justification for state police and there is seeming justification for state governments to have some measure of control over security personnel,” he said.

    “You call the police commissioner and that call is ignored is unfortunate and unacceptable.”

    Tambuwal asked President Muhammadu Buhari to do something about the security chiefs and their mode of operations.

    He declared:”Because providing security rests squarely on government, particularly the federal government, the President has to do the needful.

    “We have qualified people who can bring fresh ideas.”

    The governor, however, cautioned journalists against dishing out information capable of inflaming passion in the country.

    “The situation in the country calls for caution,” he said

    In his remarks, the national President of NUJ, Abdulwaheed Odusile, said traditional and past leaders should desist from fanning the embers of hatred in the country.

    “They should mind what they say and the media should also be mindful of what they write,” he cautioned.

    He urged Nigerians to learn to live in peace with one another and not to resort to violence in settling their differences.

    Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko who was represented at the event by Isa Galadanchi admonished journalists  to see their profession as a sacred duty .He asked them to shun bias and unprofessional conduct capable of causing disunity in the nation.

  • Tambuwal seeks lasting peace in Zamfara

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has urged clerics and citizens in the state to observe special prayers for lasting peace in Zamfara State, North-East and Nigeria as a whole.

    Tambuwal gave the directive when he hosted the 23 local government council chairmen to Iftar in the banquet hall of the Presidential Lodge, Sokoto.

    The governor enjoined Nigerians to take advantage of Ramadan to pray for the country to surmount the security challenges.

    Tambuwal stressed the need for leaders at all levels to show compassion to their subordinates, adding that “Allah is merciful to us as such we should be merciful to those under us.”

    He thanked Sultan of Sokoto and other traditional rulers for praying for continuous peace and stability in Sokoto state and the country as a whole.

    The Iftar was attended by the Deputy Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto and Senior government officials.

    Tambuwal also hosted former state governor Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko to Iftar.

  • Robbers snatch N9m LG workers’ salary in Kebbi

    Gwandu Local Government Area of Kebbi has alleged that suspected robbers have stolen N9 million meant for the payment of  salary of workers of its departments of Health and Agriculture.

    The Chairman of the council  Shehu Bagudu, told newsmen in Gwandu   that the incident happened on May 24, 2018.

    “The incident happened when the cashier of the local government Bashir Gwandu, collected the money from the bank and went to his house.

    “As he was about to open the gate of his house and unknown to him, the thieves had traced  him from the bank. 

    “As he was opening the gate to enter his house, the suspects who had laid ambush for him, attacked him, snatched his car with the money inside and drove away.

    “The car was later discovered in Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State,” he said.

    The Chairman dispelled the rumour that he was shielding the cashier who is his son-in-law.

    Bagudu said he could not stop the Police and claimed he has  not slept since this incident happened.

    Read Also: Kebbi APC Congress yet to hold at 6:15 pm.

    “The boy is my son-in-law ever since before I became the chairman of the council, and he is known to be trustworthy person.

    “We wrote to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on the incident, but we are still waiting for their response.

    “At the same time, the Criminal Investigation Department of the state Police Command is on top of the situation, doing proper investigation,”

    He said the council had held a series of meetings with the affected workers and disclosed  “the cashier’s family is planning to pay part of the stolen money before the arraignment of their brother in court on June 4.”

    The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mustapha Suleiman, who confirmed the incident, said the cashier had been undergoing proper investigation by the CID since the incident. 
    “The cashier has just been granted bail after the necessary investigation and he was given bail on the surety of a former Sole Administrator in the local government council.

  • PDP’s secret deal for Saraki, Dogara, Tambuwal, others

    •Party’s Contact and Integration Committee gets two-week extension
    •Jonathan’s ex-minister emerges dark horse in the race
    •Ex- Gov. Boni Haruna is Turaki’s Campaign DG
    •Dogara walks tight rope

    WHAT’S ON OFFER TO WHO

    • KWANKWASO: State PDP structure in Kano,  governorship ticket to his preferred candidate and Senatorial seat

     

    • SARAKI: PDP structure in Kwara,  governorship ticket to his candidate, Senate Presidency
    • presidential primaries, ministerial ticket if he loses 

      WAMMAKO: PDP structure in Sokoto, governorship ticket to his candidate, Senatorial seat

       

      DOGARA: Speaker, House of Reps; Ministerial appointment

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has given its Contact and Integration Committee a two-week extension to wrap up negotiations with Senate President Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are keen on switching camps.

    Other bigwigs being expected are Governors Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto) and  Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Senators Rabiu Kwankwaso, Danjuma Goje, Aliyu Wammako, Ahmad Sani Yerima, Adamu Aliero, Sulaiman Nazif, Isa Hammah Misau,  Muhammad Muhammad, Shehu Sani and Dino Melaye; as well as a former PDP national chairman, Alhaji Kawu Baraje; and about 120 members of the House of Representatives.

    The Nation gathered yesterday that the secret deals have dragged this long because of persistent review of positions and shifting of grounds by the personalities involved.

    Highly placed sources gave our correspondent an insight into the demands of some of the intending defectors whom the PDP committee has rated as “assets” and what the PDP is willing to concede to them.

    Former Kano State Governor Kwankwaso is being offered control of the state structure of the PDP and the governorship ticket to go to his candidate.

    But the party does not see him going far in his presidential bid.

    “The best he can get from PDP is a return to the Senate because he cannot go far in his presidential bid,” a source said.

    “The party will allow him to contest its presidential primaries but he may not be the ultimate flag-bearer. Other concessions to Kwankwaso are handing over the State PDP structure to him and governorship ticket to go to his candidate.”

    The party expects some backlash from the camp of a presidential aspirant, ex-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau once Kwankwaso returns to the fold.

    Accordingly, it plans to placate Shekarau with a ministerial slot and ask him to “name his terms.”

    Regarding Tambuwal, the source said: “Nothing can stop his desire for the presidential ticket of PDP because he is desperate for it and he has invested heavily on his ambition across the country such that none of the aspirants can match his goodwill at present.

    “But his aspiration, buoyed by a prominent and PDP-inclined Northern Emir, may not translate to victory at the presidential primaries of the party.

    “Certainly, he is a major contestant for the presidential ticket in PDP except that with ex-Governor (Sen.) Aliyu Wammako, he needs to work on Plan B in case he fails in his bid.

    “The most visible alternative if he fails to clinch the presidential ticket is a ministerial appointment.

    “A smart and slippery politician, Tambuwal has hijacked the APC structure in the state from Wammako. Learning from the need to protect the home front, Wammako’s negotiation centres on the need to control the PDP structure in Sokoto State and produce the next governor of the state having not enjoyed much from Tambuwal who was foisted on him in 2015. Wammako is said to be sure of a return to the Senate, courtesy of PDP.

    “Both Tambuwal and Wammako have a game changer and grassroots politician, ex-Governor Attahiru Bafarawa (also a presidential aspirant) to contend with. It was Bafarawa who brought Wammako (popularly called Alu) into politics.

    “The people of Sokoto State will be willing to offload Tambuwal who hardly stays in the state because of his shuttles for the presidency.”

    The source said Saraki would have loved to be PDP’s presidential candidate but having weighed his chances; he prefers retaining “his present powerful position of President of the Senate which he seems to be enjoying.”

    The PDP has assured him that the position will be retained in the North-Central, especially Kwara State.

    It has also promised to grant him the control of the structure of the party in Kwara and allow him determine the governorship candidate and candidates for other elective offices.

    The source added: “Saraki will determine the fate of his godson, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who has been pleading for the senatorial slot of Kwara South District.

    “Ahmed can either be a Senator or a minister since the present ministerial position given to Kwara State resides in Kwara South District.

    “What will become of our former national chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje is left to Saraki to decide. Although Baraje, a sharp, patient and visionary ex-principal with depth in party politics, nurses gubernatorial ambition, but for historical reasons, the  Ilorin Emirate Council is not disposed to him.

    “His gubernatorial ambition is limited and it is left to Saraki not to make him a complete loser again after he led the New PDP (nPDP) revolt in 2014.”

    It was also gathered that strategists of President Muhammadu Buhari are working out a response on the security reports available to them on Saraki’s moves and PDP offers.

    This includes “wooing some of the present PDP leaders in the state like Moshood Mustapha (a hitherto trusted ally of Saraki), a young and sensational governorship aspirant, Alhaji Luqman Mustapha, and Senator Gbemisola Saraki, among others.”

    The plan is “not only to win Kwara State (which looks Herculean) but to defeat the Senate President in Kwara Central Senatorial District and forestall his return to the Senate.”

    The PDP is said to be in a sort of dilemma on the fate of House of Reps Speaker Dogara, a Christian minority from Bauchi State as it is difficult for him to seek a Senatorial slot or be a governorship candidate.

    The options for PDP on him are to “concede a return to the House of Representatives to him so he can retain the seat of a Speaker if the party has the majority or make him a minister if the opposition defeats the APC in 2019.”

    The probability of Dogara becoming Speaker again is however said to be remote because the PDP wants to use the position as a bait to woo the South-West and defeat Buhari in the zone.

    Sources said Dogara is adamant on a return to his seat as Speaker.

    Another source, who is neck-deep in the defection talks, said: “Dogara is a major challenge for us because aside his Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency, he is a paper weight in Bauchi State politics.

    “There was a time he visited his constituency with about 250 policemen and soldiers. He cannot aspire to either be a Senator or a governor in his state because he is a Christian minority.

    “But if he is able to win re-election in his constituency, where he is almost a perpetual winner in the past few years, the PDP can retain him in office to appease the Middle Belt. Otherwise, the best he will get is a ministerial appointment.”

    “Other Senators from Bauchi namely Sulaiman Nazif, Isa Hammah Misau, and Muhammad Muhammad who all desire automatic return to the upper chamber have been promised senatorial tickets by the PDP.

    The PDP rates Senator Danjuma Goje highly and is willing to cede the party structure in Gombe State to him.

    “The fact that he is in control of Gombe State politics is not in doubt,” said a second source.

    “His main asset has been his excellent performance in office as governor which has remained unbroken. If not for the rebellion of some of his political godsons, APC would have produced the governor of the state in 2015.

    “The PDP has taken note of his reunification of his political family and it is banking on Goje for a landslide victory. The deals with Goje include securing the PDP platform, allowing him to produce the governorship candidate, and offer of a senatorial seat.”

    But Goje may be resisted by Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo who cannot leave his political fate to the senator to determine.

    When Goje’s wife died and Dankwambo accompanied First Lady Aisha Buhari to commiserate with him, Goje poured invectives on the governor. It won’t be easy for him to regain control of PDP structure in Gombe from Dankwambo, both sources acknowledged.

    For Senator Ahmad Sani Yerima whose political son, Governor Abdul-Aziz Yari has built a parallel platform in Zamfara State, his safe berth will be PDP.

    If his deal sails through, this will be the first time he will be in PDP camp since 1999.

    The top source added: “For Yarima, who has been in the Senate since 2007, he needs PDP to assert his role as the godfather of Zamfara politics.

    “With his ally, ex-Governor Mahmud Shinkafi defecting from PDP to APC, the calculation of the opposition is that Yarima is a big catch.

    “Yarima wants the party structure, Senatorial ticket, the right to nominate the governorship candidate, which Yari will not allow him to do.

    “His problem is turning against President Buhari. Since 2007, he has sold Buhari to the people of the state and it is a dilemma to turn around and paint the President bad. The consequence of a volte face might be politically costly for him.”

    Sources also told The Nation that it has not been smooth sailing for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the PDP since he returned to the party from the APC which he accused of sidelining him.

    They said he rushed to defect to PDP without “proper negotiation.”

    “The only thing he has benefited from his defection is the amendment to PDP Constitution which gives equal rights to new and old members, especially aspiration for presidency,” one of the sources said.

    “So far, he is savouring this right to aspire for the presidency but he has since discovered that he has more hurdles to cross and more aspirants to contest with.

    “He appears to be a lone ranger with PDP governors playing a hide and seek game with him.

    “Whatever is the situation, PDP will allow  Atiku a symbolic shot at presidential primaries (as a veteran since 1993), put the party structure in Adamawa under  his arm pit and allow him a substantial say in the nomination of governorship and ministerial candidates. If he loses the party’s presidential ticket, he will remain a local political benefactor.

    “His former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo is his albatross,” the source added.

    The PDP has ex-Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola on its radar as the coordinator of the coalition against APC in 2019.

    The source said: “We don’t know whether or not he is returning to PDP or staying put in CNM (Obasanjo’s inspired Coalition for Nigeria Movement) or ADC.

    “Whatever it is, the PDP might grant him a Senatorial ticket or a ministerial nomination which he had expected from the current APC administration.

    “But Oyinlola is reputed to be the brain behind the emergence of Senator Ademola Adeleke after the death of Sen. Isiaka Adeleke. He has been fingered in the governorship ambition of Ademola which the PDP may buy into in order to win Osun State Governorship poll.”

    The scenario in Kaduna appears an arduous task for PDP where an influential politician Isa Ashiru and Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi (a politician with large following) are seeking the governorship ticket of the PDP following their sealed defection from APC.

    “Both Ashiru and Hunkuyi are already trying to outwit each other for the governorship ticket. It appears Ashiru might get the slot and Hunkuyi will return to the Senate with Shehu Sani if he moves to PDP,” sources said.

    The horse-trading in PDP is likely to continue over the next two weeks before the gale of defections begins.

    A party source said yesterday that the PDP leadership “extended the timeline of the Committee contact and Integration Committee by two weeks.”

    Asked to react to the ongoing deals by defectors, the National Publicity of PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, who was non-committal, said: “Certainly, everybody has his interest and politics is a game of interest. They might want to find expression in our party and how to go about it.

    “Our party is open and we welcome every member who has become despondent with the administration of APC. We urge all democrats wherever they may be to allow the coalition to work in order to chase away this inept government of President Buhari.”

    It was also gathered that Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs in the Goodluck Jonathan Administration, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), is in the process of joining the presidential race on the platform of the PDP.

    Turaki, who is considered an aspirant without blemish, is being promoted by what a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) described as a “Third Force in PDP.”

    Some in the party see him as a dark horse in the race.

    Turaki has already set up his campaign directorate with ex-Governor Boni Haruna as Director-General.

    To assist Haruna are  ex-Military Governor of Bauchi State, Col. Habibu Shuaibu (rtd),  (Deputy DG North), and  ex-Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Steve Oru as Deputy DG (South).

    “The composition of the directorate during the week suggested a bigger accord and alliance in PDP,” a member of the NWC said.

    A member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), speaking on the ongoing horse-trading in the party said: “The odds favour a dark horse. Go and look at the history of past presidents and how they earned their tickets, it has been a story of dark horses.

    “Ex-President Shehu Shagari least expected his nomination; ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted only an eminent role as a statesman and he came out of Yola Prison to become President; ex-President Umaru Yar’Adua never aspired to be President and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan was having lunch in Transcorp Hilton when Obasanjo invited him to come and be the nation’s Vice President which later propelled him into presidency with the Doctrine of Necessity.

    “Some leaders of the party are of the opinion that we should ignore lousy aspirants; those who have cases with anti-graft agencies and those who have issues with leaders of the coming coalition which may give President Muhammadu Buhari a fight. Unlike APC, we will pay much attention to age factor too. No room for old men like me.

    “If there are other younger elements like Turaki, we will all sit down and look at all the options. Dankwambo has age on his side but he is from the North-East. The only way to defeat Buhari is to get a presidential candidate from the North-West.

    “Governor Tambuwal is favoured by age but he has a challenge bordering on the fact that Governor Nyesom Wike and some of his colleagues are desperate to force him on the party. This is undemocratic. We will leave him to contest the primaries but he might not secure the ticket.”