There are indications that the top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have decided to turn its back on the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and go for the current Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwanbo, as consensus candidate for the 2019 Presidential contest with President Muhammadu Buhari..
It was learnt that various groups in the party, including past and present governors have thumbed up for Dankwambo at various meetings they held, describing him as the “PDP’s best face so far.”
Sources in the party said that with the crisis of credibility which it faces, arising from its 16-year poor performance in power, there is the need to present a candidate who is not only competent but has the appeal to erase the poor perception from the mind of Nigerians with his impeccable credentials.
The choice of Dankwanbo is said to be supported by many serving and former PDP governors, ministers and other big-wigs who see in him the combination of competence and capacity. Dankwanbo was the nation’s Accountant-General before he contested and won the Gombe State governorship in 2011.
He is reputed to have turned the fortunes of his state around for the better, with little resources. He is also noted for his transparency and honesty.
The 56 year old Dankwambo was born on 4th April 1962 at Herwagana Ward in Gombe, Gombe State.
He attended Central Primary School Gombe and Government Secondary School Billiri in Gombe State. He proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and Graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, second class (honours) Upper Division.
Another aspirant eying the Presidential ticket of the PDP is the former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido.