Frontline Nigerian presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2023 general elections and Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal says he is offering the country his Pan-Nigerian content and competence in his quest for coveted seat.
He has also advised members of the Peoples Democratic (PDP), to first clinch the position of president of the country in the forthcoming election in 2023 before deciding on allocation of important positions to deserving members.
Tambuwal was speaking with former presiding officers of states House of Assembly and House of Representatives, at the ballroom of the Fraser Suites in Abuja on Tuesday, in continuation of his cross-country consultation with stakeholders.
The aspirant have historical and incisive insights into his political trajectory, that has been devoid of ethnic jingoism and religious zealotry, assuring the PDP and its supporters of his competence, capabilities and capacities as an experienced legislator, economical administrator and consummate ‘life bencher.’
“I am coming with my pan-Nigerian content, competences in handling federal and governance issues, in addition to having references in all the 360 constituencies in the country who can vouch for me,” Tambuwal said.
On calls by some members of the party for zoning the presidency to a section of the country, Tambuwal reminded the PDP of how the All Progressives Congress (APC) ignored zoning in 2015 but retained the presidential slot in Katsina state, from where late President Yar’adua hailed.
“You can share tickets because you can tear it up, but you must plan to win. PDP must accept this reality. The ticket must be balanced, as zoning or any Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Christian ticket would be dead on arrival and recipes for disaster,” he said.
The governor pledging not to lop-side allocation of all offices if he is considered for nomination to run for the position of president by the party.
Analysing how governorship and House of Representatives elections were contested and won in Anambra and Plateau states respectively, Tambuwal advised that factors that the PDP should take into consideration to win the elections next year should include demographics, intra-party rift in the APC, voter education and rigging – “the PDP should be strategic in its nomination of who will bear its flag next year.”
He said with the APC having 14 governors and the PDP sharing the same positions with it in the Southern region, the PDP would have to “think well, plan well and win this election.”
“It has never been this bad for governance in this country, therefore, the President we need is one that understands the country, inclusive in his dealings and one that will allow the rule of law to flourish,” Tambuwal said, explaining that he has all the qualities and what the other aspirants in the PDP lack.
“From the array of those running for President now, I dare say that I am closer to the youths. Age is a factor for what we are doing today,” he said while pointing to many of his achievements as governor of Sokoto state despite the paucity of funds accruing to the state.
Tambuwal who received accolades and endorsements to run for the position of President from his colleagues at the reunion, was accompanied by a former governor of Sokoto state, Attahiru Bafarawa; a former Deputy Governor in the state, Mukhtar Shagari and APC stalwart, Engr. Bello Suleiman.
