Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State mentioned names of politicians who have declared interest to contest for President in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Image credit: PM Parrot
It will be nice to list the names again. According to a report by Sahara Reporters, Makinde mentioned three persons that have indicated interest to contest for President in PDP. They are: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. Obviously, all these top contenders are from the North. Nobody from the South has openly declared intention to contest for the post.
Image credit: Politic Nigeria
However, it would be recalled that some influential politicians from the South had pushed for the North to get the post of PDP National Chairman so that it would pave way for the South to get the presidential ticket. According to a report by The Punch, that move was led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and some of his political allies who are also Governors. In fact, Makinde, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Governor Udom Emmanuel were all part of that move. In this regard, there are two top politicians they and other Southerners can back for President in 2023 as Northerners dominate the race. This article will discuss the two politicians.
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(1). Goodluck Jonathan: This is the man many people from the South are looking up to. He has been the President of Nigeria. He lost to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 but he may contest again in 2023. There have been reports that he plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to contest for President in 2023. But, he has not done so.
Image credit: The Punch
In fact, many leaders from the South are likely to back Jonathan if he declares bid to contest. Wike had advised Jonathan against joining APC. The Rivers Governor vowed to back him for President if he contests under PDP. Wike and his camp as well as other Southern leaders may back Jonathan to contest for the post in PDP since Northerners are dominating the list so far.
(2). Governor Wike: The Rivers Governor is the second person his camp and other Southern leaders may support for President in 2023. By then, Wike would have completed his second term in office. By his body language, some people had muted that Wike is nursing presidential ambition in 2023.
Image credit: Niger Delta Connect
Although, he has not openly said so, yet, it may be part of his plans. Could that be the reason he and his allies pushed for the PDP presidential ticket to come to the South? Anyway, Wike has the experience, the influence, the clouts and the financial muscles to run for the office from the South if he is backed. Time will tell if he will join the race.
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