APC May Field Northern Presidential Candidate to Counter PDP's Election Strategy

Strategic Insights -

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is considering fielding a Northern presidential candidate in response to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)'s potential nomination of a Northern candidate, according to insiders. This move, aimed at countering PDP's strategy, has sparked opposition from Southern leaders, led by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, who has expressed strong reservations about a Northern candidate. Wike, who is completing his second term as governor, has been accused of using his presidential aspirations as a bargaining chip to secure the vice-presidential slot. Meanwhile, APC stakeholders are divided on whether to zone the ticket to the South or open the contest to all aspirants, with some pushing for a fair and open election. Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have expressed interest in running for the APC presidential ticket.

Key Takeaways:

  • APC stakeholders are considering fielding a Northern presidential candidate to counter PDP's potential nomination of a Northern candidate.
  • Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has expressed opposition to a Northern candidate, citing concerns that it may undermine Southern interests.
  • APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu has been accused of siding with Northern interests, sparking speculation that he may support a Northern presidential candidate.
  • Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have expressed interest in running for the APC presidential ticket.
  • Other aspirants who have signified interest in running on the APC platform include former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
  • The APC's decision on whether to zone the ticket to the South or open the contest to all aspirants remains unclear.
  • The PDP has thrown its presidential ticket open to all, allowing either a Northern or Southern candidate to emerge as the party's flagbearer.

Statistics:

  • According to a credible source, the likelihood that the APC might throw the ticket open like the PDP did is very high.
  • Two names are being circulated as potential Northern presidential candidates: Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger State.
  • The APC has at least 6-7 aspirants who have signified interest in running for the party's presidential ticket.

Sources:

  • Daily Independent
  • "APC may field northern presidential candidate to counter PDP's election strategy" (source not specified in original)
  • Twitter (not a cited source, but an indication of rumoured candidate interest)
  • Various unnamed sources in APC and PDP