By Leshi Adebayo
Three chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been said to be ’eminently qualified’ to run for presidency in 2023.
The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde stated this on Thursday while featuring on a Channels Television current affairs programme.
Makinde named the three potential presidential candidates to include former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Governors of Sokoto and Bauchi State, Aminu Tambuwal and Bala Mohammed.
“I make bold to say that the situation in this country today, the only way that you can stop PDP at the federal level is by dividing PDP internally. All the governors of the PDP are well aware of this fact and we made unity within ourselves our number one priority.
“Once the governors of PDP are able to move in one direction, align on most of the issues and the challenges we are faced with, I think there is hope for this country. The issue right now is that PDP has eminently qualified personalities that can lead this country successfully,” he said.
The governor continued, “Some have indicated interest, like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, like Governor Tambuwal, like Governor Bala Mohammed. They have indicated interest. But the bottom line is when we get to that bridge, we will definitely cross it.
“What is important at this stage, which I will solicit the support of PDP members and the generality of Nigerians, is please support us to have a successful national convention. There is no way you can become anything, president, vice-president, even governor, if we don’t have a party. What we want to do first is ensure that we get things right within our party.”
Meanwhile, Makinde’s declaration contradicts the stand of the Southern Governors Forum on the 2023 elections.
It could be recalled that, in September, the Forum agreed that the presidency be zoned to the Southern Nigeria.
