Atiku, Tambuwal Emerge Favourites to Clinch PDP Presidential Ticket

Pat Stevens/

The battle for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party at the ongoing national convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, may have narrowed to a two-horse race.

Sources at the convention told NewsmakersNG the presidential primary is now a straight battle between former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal.

A source, who is among the delegates at the convention, said the supporters of the two aspirants had been all over the venue canvassing support for their respective man.

The venue of the convention is also flooded by the campaign materials of both aspirants, giving the impression only the two are contesting the primary, the source also disclosed.

The source stated: “The overwhelming presence of supporters of Tambuwal and Atiku and their campaign materials here suggest they will be the two top contenders for the race.”

Another delegate however told NewsmakersNG that Atiku appeared to have gained a clear advantage over the other aspirants after some governors withdrew their backing for Tambuwal.

The source said only Senate President, Bukola Saraki and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso present any serious opposition to Atiku’s eventual emergence.

“When the aspirants came to greet the delegates and after the speeches, it became apparent the battle would be among the trio of Atiku, Saraki and Kwakwanso. The governors supporting Tambuwal have backed out and are said to be aligning with Atiku.

“All the twelve aspirants have met and agreed to work with whoever emerges among them. None of them agreed to step down. But with majority coming from the North-west, Atiku will easily have the highest votes. Most delegates have a choice between Atiku and any of the other aspirants.

Some delegates also alluded to the presence of agents of the All Progressives Congress at the convention, who are secretly working to ensure the victory of a particular aspirant, who they believe would give the President Muhammadu Buhari an easy ride in the presidential election next year.

The national conventions of both APC and PDP are being held simultaneously in Abuja and Port Harcourt.

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