The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) may end up handing over its presidential ticket to a serving governor. The Rivers State governor has indicated how he wanted a governor to pick up the party’s ticket and represent the party in the poll. It is all possible and attainable....CONTINUE READING
The People’s Democratic Party and its structure are relatively in the hands of the governors right now. They influenced the outcome of the national convention in which Mr. Iyorchia Ayu emerged as the new chairman of the party. The governors are moving towards the same route right now.
Recall that before the party could dismiss Mr. Uche Secondus, Rivers State governor was involved. The governors insisted that the former national chairman, Secondus must leave and a new one be elected. And so it was. The influence and power of the governors became more evident with that.
There are certain steps that must be taken if a governor must emerge. Mr. Seyi Makinde, Oyo State governor recently hinted that Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, Bala Mohammed and Atiku Abubakar have indicated their interests in the most sought after ticket of the party. Only Atiku isn’t serving as a governor right now.
The PDP governors can combine their efforts and strength to face other political stalwarts in the PDP. Mr. Aminu Tambuwal participated in the last presidential primary election. He lost to Atiku Abubakar. He can be encouraged to try his luck once again. And if he is not interested, the governors should try another governor.
Then, if the governors present one of their own as presidential candidate, they should find a running mate among themselves as well. This will enable them to stand far firmer than other contenders. Mr. Bukola Saraki has joined the race already. And he may not be easily defeated in the primary election.
This article doesn’t specifically ask the governors to use a particular person. But if all the governors can team up and back up just one person for the primary election, the likes of Bukola Saraki, Anyim Pius Anyim, Sam Ohuabunwa won’t be able to stop the governor. The three of them are in the race, but they won’t be able to hinder the decision of the governors collectively.