Wednesday, September 17, 2014 3:44 pm
The usually loquacious Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu has said that Nigeria’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party has no vacancy for the position of President in 2015.
He made the remark when he received the Babangida Aliyu Youth for Peace Initiative that called on him to join the presidential race, confirming the open secret that President Goodluck Jonathan, may run unchallenged for the position, within the party. And if there is any challenge at all, the party’s primary election will be a straight coronation ceremony.
“As far as we are concerned in PDP, there is no vacancy come 2015 for the position of president. We will give the incumbent the chance to finish his term.
“In advanced democracies, this is what happens. An incumbent party candidate will not be contested against by any loyal party member. I am a loyal party member.
“As for your request, I agree to be the patron of the body because it preaches peace. This has been our primary policy in the state for every Nigerian to have a peace haven in Niger,” Aliyu said.
Aliyu Babangida ran into a PDP storm recently when he was quoted to have urged his Jigawa state counterpart, Sule Lamido to run for the presidency. He quickly denied the statement.
Lamido however has said he would contest the presidency, along with President Goodluck Jonathan, who is yet to officially throw his hat in the ring.
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