Reports say that no fewer than three former governors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have signified interest to contest the 2023 presidential ticket.
The information emerged following Thursday’s 94th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, in Abuja.
In attendance at the meeting were a former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; PDP Governors led by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, a former and serving governors, ministers as well as federal lawmakers.
The parley also adopted the decision of the zoning committee led by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwaunyi of Enugu State that the North produce the next National chairman of the party.
However, the presidential ticket was thrown open to allow any eligible member to compete.
Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Yemi Akinwonmi, thanked Governor Ugwaunyi and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa for chairing the Zoning and Convention Planning Committees.
Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Wali Jibrin, however, assured that the party leadership would continue to promote unity among members to ensure the PDP returns to power.
A source said that after the meeting that the Northern Caucus of the PDP NEC met at another location in the nation’s capital.
The stalwarts reportedly gathered at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge, in Asokoro, where some pushed for the zoning of the chairmanship to North-Central.
But the proposal was roundly rejected and made open to all aspirants who wish to vie for an office, it was gathered.
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The meeting also discussed the distribution of posts among the 19 Northern states and gave all persons interested till Friday to indicate.
The caucus is likely to micro-zone some positions to certain states after collation of names and interested portfolios.
Three ex-Northern Governors and a party official announced they were joining the race to become the PDP flagbearer.
Two are from North-East: Deputy National Chairman (North), ex-Senator Suleiman Nazif and former Gombe Govenor, Ibrahim Dankwambo, DAILY POST gathered.
The other two are from North-West: Ex-Kaduna Governor and erstwhile PDP Caretaker Chairman, Ahmed Makarfi and former Katsina Governor, Ibrahim Shema.
