The Peoples Democratic Party, Tuesday, said that all those who had purchased the presidential forms were free to contest its presidential ticket regardless of zones.
Reacting to the zoning controversy, a spokesman for Obi said it would be unjust for the South-East to be denied the party’s ticket.
Obi’s Media Adviser, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, said it was regrettable that the party had jettisoned the zoning arrangement of the party.
In a telephone conversation, Obienyem said the former governor had what it takes to emerge victorious at the primary if it is conducted on fairness, equity, and respect for each candidate.
He said, “Although the party’s decision remained supreme, His Excellency has every chance to clinch the party’s ticket based on equity, fairness, and credibility, but it will be an injustice if the South-East is denied the ticket.”
Also speaking with The Punch, a Spokesman for former Governor Ayodele Fayose, said the ex-governor would have preferred if the party had zoned the ticket to the South outright.
Fayose will be guided by party’s decision, but sure of victory – Aide
Fayose’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, however, said his principal was certain of victory and would thus not be stepping down for anyone.
“Will somebody go and drop N40 million to buy form for fun? Is N40 million small money? Governor Ayodele Fayose is sure of victory”
Olayinka, who said the former governor had abided by party decision on throwing the contest for presidential ticket open, said, “Left to him (Fayose), he feels that in the interest of justice, equity and fairness, the position ought to have been zoned to the South
“But the party has decided, there is nothing he can do about it. He is a loyal party man. He is going to abide by the decision of the party.”
Tambuwal on primaries
Also reacting to the forthcoming Presidential primary, a Spokesman for Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, said the governor was ready to contest.
One of his aides who wished not to be named said with the current situation, the governor was ready to give it all by contesting the party primaries scheduled for May 29.
He said the governor was never afraid of primaries but opted for the idea of consensus so as to have a seamless primary.
“The governor is very sure of clinching the ticket of the party in the primary elections. I am sure you are aware of what transpired last time in Port Harcourt where he came second behind Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
“This time around, with the issue of zoning not on the table, I can tell you categorically that Governor Tambuwal will fly the ticket of the PDP in the forthcoming general elections,” he said.
