Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Sokoto state, have endorsed governor Aminu Tambuwal to contest for president in 2023.
The governor who, after being prevailed upon by the stakeholders, led by party stalwarts at a meeting on Monday, bowed to pressure, promising to begin consultations in earnest.
Recalling history, Tambuwal said when he was approached by his colleagues in the House of Representatives to contest as Speaker, he told them to consult first with late former president Shehu Shagari, former governor Aliyu Wamakko and two other elders in the state.
According to the governor, “when they got their confirmation, I then declared to contest. That is history.
“I thank you for your confidence and have accepted your endorsement. I will now begin the process of consultation across the country before declaring to contest by February 2022,” he said.
Earlier taking turns to make their case for Tambuwal’s contest, former minister of water resources and deputy governor of the state, Mukhtar Shagari said the governor had paid his due and should declare his interest in the presidency.
According to Shagari, time was now for Tambuwal to rescue Nigeria from misgovernance, adding that his supporters in the state and contacts across the country were ready to extend consultations to every part of the country.
Speaking on behalf of members of the National Assembly, NASS, Senator Danbaba Danbuwa said there is no better time than now for Tambuwal to declare for presidency.
According to Danbaba, his colleagues at the National Assembly, especially those elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) have asked him to prevail on Tambuwal to declare for president.
Former minister of power, Engineer Bello Suleiman said Governor Tambuwal is the most qualified candidate for the next president of the country.
He added that Tambuwal has better experience to govern Nigeria than former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
Other speakers were a party leader, Umar Kwabo; Commissioner for women and social welfare; Professor Aishat Maidawaki, who spoke on behalf of women; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Bashir Gorau who spoke on behalf of youths and party chairman, Bello Goronyo, among others.