By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
THOUGH, politics especially in Nigeria has a conventional way of springing surprises even at the last minute. No one had predicted nor thought certain permutations could brighten Peoples Democratic Party’s(PDP) support fortunes in Sokoto state as its unfolding.
Hence, for the first time in pursuit of common political fortunes to ensure the Peoples
Democratic Party( PDP) successful reclaim Sokoto state for the second time, former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and former deputy Governor and one time Minister for Water Resources, Mukhtari Shagari were sighted on Tuesday to be fully involved on same page to actively rally support for the party to form government come 2019 in the state and centre.
The two political front weights coming in euphoria, were at the inauguration of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal’s state campaign committees for his re-election bid where Alhaji Mukhtari Bello Maigona got appointed the Director General with Engineer Bello Suleiman as main committee chairman.
However, the duo had at the primaries of the party ahead of the 2015 polls went separate ways, an aftermath that trailed the outcome of the exercise where Shagari ran deficit of the overwhelming votes of delegates that favoured then guber candidate, Ambassador Abdallah Wali.
Also, was the presence of Alhaji Umarun Kwabo A.A a close and reliable political confidant and ally of Bafarawa who had for some time parted ways with the former governor to join the All Progressives Congress(APC) after leaving Democratic Peoples Party(DPP) for failure to win the state governorship election in 2012 against then Governor Aliyu Wamakko after a fiercely contested re-run.
The re-union of the trio and political stalwarts on the PDP platform may be a tough wall to break for the opposition All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state under the dogged leadership of former Governor and Northern Senators Forum(NSF) Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wamakko.
The stakes are high and thick to give up by either side. It’s a running battle for power between perceived strength of popularity(Wamakko) on one side and incumbency influence of Tambuwal on the other.
At the inauguration, Tambuwal said the party was fast strengthening its popularity ahead of forming government at both state and federal levels.
Tambuwal while inaugurating the committee at the conference hall of the newly commissioned International Conference Centre, Sokoto said the party would through the various sub-committees would engage in campaigns to every nook and cranny to persuade and attract people’s support for the party ahead of 2019 polls.
According to Tambuwal” PDP remain a platform for people with focus, resilience and accommodating.
” Our party is an all inclusive platform for both young, old, youth and women.”
The governor however, seized the space to dispel rumour going round he was on a 40 day leave.
” I have not embarked on any leave. I am in Sokoto with you. I am not going anywhere.
” I want all and sundry to know that my life and survival are in the hands and control of God”, he stated.
Also speaking, former Governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa noted that the massive support being enjoyed by PDP in the state was a reflection and result of Tambuwal’s untiring efforts.
Bafarawa who contested the party’s presidential ticket along side Tambuwal said the party would continue to move from strength to strength adding” we have no other dependable platform and overwhelming support of large followership than in PDP.
” I urge every one of us in the state to be committed to our 2019 dreams and rally support for Tambuwal and his running mate as well our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar for victory.”
Earlier, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma, state PDP chairman observed with joy the large crowd of followers describing it as a good omen for the party’s candidates at all levels.
” We are resilient towards our dream of emerging victorious”, he pointed out.
Meanwhile, those in attendance include Deputy Governor Mannir Dan Iya, former deputy Governor, Mukhtari Shagari, Alhaji Ummaru Kwabo A.A, the state SSG, party leaders, members of the state executive council among numerous others.
