Niger PDP backs out of IBB's declaration

Details: Category: Politics; Published on Wednesday, 15 September 2010 04:27; Written by Admin; Hits: 1320

AS General Ibrahim Babangida begins his campaign today at the Eagle Square, Abuja, it has been confirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State will not be officially represented at the event.

The executive members of the party at all levels will not be present at the launch in their official capacities, Nigerian Tribune also gathered.

According to Nigerian Tribune findings, the decision was taken because “General Babangida is still an aspirant, we should not be seen to be openly supporting one aspirant over the other.

“Anybody going to Abuja is going on his own,” the source said, adding that “we must be seen to be neutral, until when we have a candidate, then we will come out openly.”

However, it was learnt that the Niger State governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, would be attending the event by virtue of his position as the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.

A source close to the governor also said that he (Aliyu) would attend the inauguration of any presidential campaign by aspirants from the northern part of the country.

When contacted, Niger State PDP acting chairman Mr Tanko Beji, confirmed the story, adding that “we must not be involved for now.”

Beji, however, said that the party could not stop individuals from going to Abuja for the launch of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the declaration fever reached feverish point in Minna, the state capital, on Tuesday, as virtually everybody was discussing it at press time.

Scores of vehicles had been volunteered to convey supporters and admirers to the event, while new campaign posters of the former military president also surfaced in many parts of the city.

Thousands of supporters, loyalists, as well as political associates of General Babangida had also been mobilised to Abuja from other parts of the country, to kick-start the campaign in grand style today.