PDP Primaries: Atiku, Saraki, Tambuwal, Others Reject Consensus Option, Insist on Participation

• The Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Bukola Saraki have rejected the consensus arrangement of the PDP
• The three major northern aspirants are in a race to clinch the PDP's presidential ticket at the ongoing primary of the party
• Meanwhile, the fate of the aspirants would be decided today as the opposition party would pick its flagbearer to contend with other candidates of other parties for the 2023 general election in a bid to become Nigeria's next leader

A meeting which ended in the early hours of Saturday, May 28, among key leaders of PDP from the North failed to broker a consensus deal, Daily Trust reports.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governors Aminu Tambuwal and Bala Mohammed declined to burge to the elders’ request to step down and endorse one of them.

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Another prominent presidential aspirant withdraws from PDP primaries, endorses Governor Wike

Only former bank chief Mohammed Hayatu-Deen agreed to withdraw.

Party last leaders are said to be making frantic efforts for the key aspirants to put forward a united front in the face of the imminent possibility of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers clinching the ticket.

A source familiar with the late-night meeting said:

“A lot of them don’t believe Wike can win the general election but as it is it is almost clear that he can coast to victory if the northern candidates didn’t close their ranks."

The aspirants slug it out

Meanwhile, delegates and party officials have started trooping into the MKO Abiola Stadium, venue of the Presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The posters of some of the main contenders Tambuwal, Mohammed, Saraki are competing for space at the venue.

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PDP presidential primaries: Regional breakdown of number of delegates suggests who may emerge winner

Even though he has withdrawn from the race, the campaign posters of ex-investment banker Muhammed Hayatu-Deen is also visible around the arena.

Legit.ng gathered that the convention proper is billed for 4:00 pm 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 the hope that the pendulum will swing their way.

Nigerians react

Nigerians react to the development by sharing their opinion on the matter through the Facebook page of Legit.ng.

Helen Makwe said

"They have failed already for letting their greed take over them by letting Peter obi and kwakwanso exit the party. Mark my word they have lost already."

Gozie Mbata said

"Their pride will be their own downfall."

Layo Ajibson said

"PDP should marks it they are loosing a lots of ground with Kwakwanso vosiverous fanatics supporters and virile youths and Igbo race votes."

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PDP Presidential Primaries: 2 Prominent PDP presidential aspirants who may emerge winner

Obumnaeme Ikemeonu said

"This PDP u see today u shall see them no more."

Jimoh Oyewale stated

"I congratulate Gov Nyesom Wike in advance jare."

Musa Wakil Bara said

"Mark it, the convention would be inconclusive and pdp would shift it."

Purity Iroabuchi asked

"How sure are you that easterners will vote for wike?

"Anyways, as an observer, I have reacted."

Isioye Abosede clarified

"Atiku is the best na we wey dey work for mikano know say na person,non of his staffs can ever condemn him except if they just want to lie against him he's really trying, ordinary cleaner for mikano na 85k ask anyone who works in mikano o."

Danyto Young Bello Ibrahim said

"You guys should continue fighting we want Peter Obi ."

Presidential Primaries: PDP holds emergency meeting, considers postponement of convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has convened an emergency meeting of its National Working Committee in a bid to examine urgent issues arising, including the likelihood of rescheduling its national convention slated for today.

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Presidential Primaries: PDP holds emergency meeting, considers postponement of convention

It was reported that the NWC meeting, which is currently underway in Abuja, is anticipated to deal with issues around the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the deadline for the conclusion of party primaries across the country.

INEC extends party primaries

INEC had, in a statement on Friday night, explained how it was urged by the council of political parties to extend the time for primaries following outstanding issues emanating from the exercise across the country. The decision made way to shift the primaries’ deadline from June 3 to June 9.

PDP governorship aspirant withdraws from race demands refund of nomination fee

In another development, a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party on Tuesday, May 24, said that he is withdrawing from the race.

Ambassador Wilfred Bonse also called on the leadership of the opposition party to refund the full money he used to purchase both the governorship nomination and expression of interest forms.

According to the aspirant, he was never given a fair opportunity to participate in the party's primary election.

Source: Legit.ng