Who gets PDP’s ticket?

No fewer than 14 aspirants are struggling for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).What are their chances at the national convention? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the preparations for the intra-party election.

Who will Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegates vote tomorrow in Port-Harcourt, capital of Rivers State? The national convention is critical to the future of the major opposition party. Will PDP get it right?

The aspirants are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Senate President David Mark, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Kano state Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso, former Sokoto State Governor Attairu Bafarawa, former Special Duties Minister Taminu Turaki, Senator Jonal Jang and Datti Ahmed.

Southeast:

Anambra – It is a straight fight between the two aspirants Atiku Abubakar and Bukola Saraki. Aminu Tambuwal who would have done well annoyed the delegates when he arrived late to address them about 8pm after they had waited for many hours. Atiku is relying on old friends and the speculation that he has promised to make Peter Obi his running mate.

However, Saraki has destabilized the assumption in Anambra. It may be 45 percent for Atiku, 40 for Saraki and the rest 15 percent for the remaining aspirants.

Enugu: Atiku is relying on his old networks. His friends are Chief Dubem Onyia and Dr. Okwesikieze Nwodo. But, the old PDM structure does not control  politics in that state. The Deputy Senate President, the governor and the two senators who control the politics in the state are all working for Saraki. If there is no upset, Saraki may get more votes in Enugu State.

Imo:  It is a three-horse race here. Saraki, Atiku and Tambuwal are all on ground. Atiku is relying on his old network. Tambuwal relies on Emeka Ihedioha. Saraki has supporters in the state. It will be a tight race with the three aspirants sharing the delegates.

Ebonyi: The Gov is still weighing his options. The bulk of the delegates may respect the views of the Gov Dave Umahi. Dankwanbo is the dark horse. Atiku and Tambuwal are not very strong.

Abia: The state is under the strong influence of former Governor T. A. Orji. Orji, the two other Senators and the Governor are working. Atiku is not very strong here, Dankwabo may get a little support because of solidarity from the Governor.

Southsouth:

Rivers: Tambuwal looks good here. Wike is his main backer.

 Cross Rivers: If David Mark intensifies efforts, he may get some delegates because he, like Saraki, is close to the governor. However, Gresham Bassey, Liyel Imoke and Gov. Ayade may be supporting Saraki. It is expected that Wike may try to influence the governor for him to give some votes to Tambuwal.

Akwa Ibom: Emmanuel Udom is asserting himself. He and Commodore Nkanga, Sen. Essien and Sen. anxieties Okon are the decision makers. They will tilt the votes.

Bayelsa: The votes here are not many. Sources said Governor Dickson is supporting Atiku.

Delta: This is a state to be shared between Saraki and Atiku. Gov Okowa, Sen. Peter Nwoboshi who used to be party chairman and James Ibori are the major decision makers.

Edo: This is a three-horse race. Odion Ugbese is working for Makarfi. And it is believed he has the backing of Chief Tony Anenih to do so. Clem Ordia who is rooting for Tambuwal.The two PDP senators, Mathew Urogidie and Ordia, are working for Saraki.

Southwest:

Lagos: Atiku has the support of using Bode George and his group.

Ondo: With Olusegun Mimiko out of the party, this state is 80 percent for Saraki. 20 percent for others.

Osun: Saraki’s chance is very bright.  Ademola Adeleke is mobilising for him.

Oyo: Atiku, Kwakwanso and Saraki will share the votes.

Ekiti: Governor Ayodele Fayose is working for Tambuwal like his friend Wike.

Ogun: As a result of the court cases between the Buruji Kashamu group and the Ladi Adebutu group, Ogun State delegates may not be allowed to vote. Atiku has a bright chance.

Northcentral:

Benue: The race is between David Mark and Dankwambo. Mark will take the Idoma area. Suswan is supporting Dankwanbo. Gov. Ortom  is supporting Saraki.

Plateau: TAspirants to watch are  Jonah Jang will also have a good showing here.

Kwara: This is 100 percent for Saraki.

Kogi: This State has 87 delegates. Saraki is expected to get the majority.

Nasarawa: The vote will be share between Atiku and Saraki.

Niger: Ex-Gov Babangida Aliyu is working for Atiku.

Northeast:

Gombe: This is 100 percent for Dankwanbo

Bauchi: This will be shared between Saraki and Dankwanbo. Saraki may have upper hand because of the two Senators. It is believed that Speaker Yakubu Dogara may swing some votes for Tambuwal.

Taraba:  Atiku and Dankwanbo will share the votes.

Adamawa: This will be all for Atiku.

Borno: The delegates may not be allowed to vote.

Yobe: Here, Atiku may have an upper hand here. Top politicians like Adamu Waziri are working for him.

Northwest:

Sokoto: Tambuwal and Bafarawa will share the votes.

Zamfara: It will a battle field for many aspirants for the North- west.

Kebbi: This is Tanimu Turaki’s home. He will do better than others,

Kaduna: Makarfi will take the lead. Datti Ahmed will have some delegates while Senator Danjuma Laah and Sukeiman Hunkuyi will deliver some delegates to Saraki.

Katsina: Many votes will go to Atiku. Ex-Governor  Shema is working for the Senate President.

Kano: This is the home base of Kwakwanso. Majority of the delegates will vote for him.

Jigawa: Lamido will take 96 percent of the delegates in his home base.

FCT: This is a battle ground for all the aspirants. It is expected that Saraki and Atiku will do well due to the influence of Sen. Phillip Aduda.