Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the North-Central geopolitical zone have resolved to present a consensus candidate for the forthcoming 2019 presidential elections.

The leaders also said the time was ripe for the zone to produce the next president of Nigeria since it has competent, capable and experienced aspirants that can improve the fortune of the country.

The resolution was taken at a meeting held on Wednesday evening at Grand Ibro Hotel, Abuja, according to a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Director-General, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Campaign Organisation, Wakil Mohammed.

The statement said the meeting was attended by party leaders from the zone, including former governors, former and serving National Assembly members, members of the business community and the academia.

Those in attendance were briefed by the Senate President on his intention to seek the Office of the President.

The statement read, “The PDP leaders from the region also emphasised that it was the turn of the North-Central region to produce the president of Nigeria, while also mandating the leaders to engage their counterparts in other geopolitical zones, with a view to convincing them to support the consensus aspirant that will be produced by from the North-Central.”

Saraki was quoted as stating that the North-Central had been a stabilising factor in Nigeria; and that from previous experience, it was clear that its leaders had the capacity and will-power to unite and develop the country.

He said, “Our zone has been the stabilising factor in Nigeria for many years, and it is clear that we need to continue to fight for the soul of our nation. The 2019 polls is not just an election, it is about winning the soul of Nigeria. Right now, to me – and I’m sure to all the other contestants under the umbrella of our great party, nothing is more important than for us to rescue our people from the clutch of poverty, insecurity and ensure that we bring development to all Nigerians.

“As we move forward, we all need to be courageous. We must provide compassionate leadership for our people. We must protect our people. We must give them live and hope. Our people are asking: “What did we do wrong?” Therefore, right now, we need to be courageous. We must provide competent and compassionate leadership for this country.” – Punch

– Sept. 6, 2018 @ 17:29 GMT |