Presidential aspirants on the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the north are reportedly plotting to reach a consensus ahead of the party’s presidential primary billed for later today, Saturday.
THE WITNESS learnt that Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president; Bukola Saraki, former senate president; Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State governor and his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, last night, held last minute consultations at the promoting of northern elders with a view to reaching a consensus ahead of the primary in order to stop Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers State from emerging candidate.
The aspirants, encouraged by northern elders are said to be making frantic efforts to put forward a united front in the face of imminent possibility of Wike clinching the ticket.
“They believe Wike will candidate if they don’t close ranks. That’s what they are trying to do” a source said. “But so far, it has not been successful.”
Wike who has broad-based southern support, is looking likely to emerge candidate.
Meanwhile, it is understood that the effort have not yielded results so far, as the aspirants are said to maintaining their positions.
In the meantime delegates and party officials have started trooping in to the MKO Abiola Stadium, venue of the Presidential primaries.
The posters of some of the main contenders Tambuwal, Mohammed, Saraki are competing for space at the venue.
Even though he has withdrawn from the race, the campaign posters of ex-investment banker Muhammed Hayatu-Deen is also visible around the arena.
The convention proper is billed for 4pm even though there had not been any official information to that effect.
The aspirants are also said to be engaged in last minute horse trading and consultation with other aspirants and delegates with hope that the pendulum will swing their way
