Ahmed Makarfi, PDP National ChairmanA Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has made it clear that the ticket will not be for the highest bidder or the moneybags, insisting that it is him that is better placed to clinch the ticket.
He said that contrary to the opinion that the party’s ticket would go to the highest bidder, money had never been the determining factor of who won the presidential ticket, but adding that with the kind of support he enjoyed among members of the party, he stood a good chance.
Makarfi, who spoke to newsmen newsmen in Lagos yesterday, was Sunday, said that he did not need to give money out to win the presidential ticket of his party.
“When did Nigeria start to produce presidents because of resources? Former presidents, Alhaji Shehu Shagari; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua; Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and now President Muhammadu Buhari, did not become president based on money.
“In one of the South West states I visited, a member said other aspirants have been giving them money and gifts, but I don’t have to give them money or gifts to vote for me in the primaries because they know I am the best man for the job.”
Makarfi said that he was able to improve the image of the PDP at the time he was at the helm of its affairs, adding that the PDP became the party to belong because of the transformation he carried out as the chairman of the caretaker committee.
“No other presidential aspirant in the party has my pedigree. I have been assured of becoming the groom by members who are aware of those efforts and have sworn they will not sell their votes at the primaries.
“Since I joined the PDP, I have never left the party.
“My experience as a member of the Senate Committee on Finance for eight years is also an advantage. I will bring the experience to bear when I pick the ticket and emerge as president.”
Ahmed Makarfi will be battling with other aspirants like Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; former Governor of Sokoto, Attahiru Bafarawa; former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo and Senate President, Bukola Dr Bukola Saraki for the party’s presidential ticket.
