Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), obviously dissatisfied with five members of the party that have forwarded their names to contest the national chairmanship, has hand-picked three prominent members from the North East to go for the position.
The three prominent members are the former governor of Borno state, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu and Senator Muhammed Wakil.
The dark horses who have originally indicated their interest for the position are Ambassador Wilberforce Juta, Senator Kumo, Senator Girgir, Shehu Gabam and who the party described as “one other person.”
Speaking to news men today shortly after the party’s National Caucus meeting at the Ondo State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, which ended in the early hours of today, the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said that as at now there are nine candidates from the North East zone that are being screened for the position of the party’s national chairman.
Metuh said that five out of the nine names were submitted to the caucus meeting by PDP leaders from the North East.
“Basically, the two governors of the North East today briefed us on what they have done and they brought five people for consideration. These include Ambassador Wilberforce Juta, Senator Kumo, Senator Girgir, Shehu Gabam and one other person.
“We looked at the list and decided to enlarge the list. So, we have invited some other leaders from that zone.”
Metuh listed the invited leaders as former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, Senator Muhammed Wakil and Malam Nuhu Ribadu. [myad]
