Former PDP governors declared candidacy for presidential ticket in 2023

Three former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have declared their intention to run for president in 2023.

The news came after the 94th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was present, as were PDP Governors led by Chairman and Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, as well as former and serving governors, ministers, and federal lawmakers.

The parley agreed to the zoning committee’s recommendation that the North produce the next National Chairman, led by Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwaunyi.

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However, the presidential ticket was left open, allowing any eligible member to run.

Acting National Chairman Yemi Akinwonmi thanked Ugwaunyi and Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for chairing the Zoning and Convention Planning Committees.

Wali Jibrin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, assured that the party leadership will continue to promote unity among members in order to ensure that the PDP returns to power.

According to a source, the Northern Caucus of the NEC met at another location in the nation’s capital following the meeting.

The stalwarts gathered at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, where some advocated for the chairmanship to be zoned North-Central.

The proposal, however, was roundly rejected and made open to all aspirants wishing to run for office.

The meeting also discussed the distribution of posts among the 19 Northern states and gave all interested parties until Friday to indicate their interest.

Following the compilation of names and interested portfolios, the caucus is likely to micro-zone some positions to specific states.

Three ex-Northern Governors and a party official announced their candidacy for PDP flagbearer.

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It was learned that two are from the North-East: Deputy National Chairman (North), ex-Senator Suleiman Nazif, and former Gombe Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo.

The other two are from the North-West: Ahmed Makarfi, ex-Kaduna Governor and former PDP Caretaker Chairman, and Ibrahim Shema, ex-Katsina Governor.