From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
Eight prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger state, among them 3 members of the state executive council have signaled their intention to vie for the governorship ticket of the party ahead of next year’s gubernatorial election.
Two of the aspirants have already sent their letter of intent to the Governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu while the third informed the governor that he is still consulting.
Among the 8 mentioned in Minna on Monday by Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu are the Deputy Governor Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto, the Commissioner for Works Alhaji Muazu Bawa and the chairman of Wushisishi local government area, Alhaji Saidu Wushsishi. The Chief of Staff Government House, Alhaji Umar Nasko who Governor Aliyu said has gubernatorial ambition said the aspirant informed him that he is still consulting with his people and the leadership of the PDP.
Though Governor Aliyu who made the names of the aspirants known at the first Niger State Investment Climate Summit did not name the other aspirants he nonetheless expressed his believe that the next governor of the state should come from within members of his cabinet.
The PDP has already zoned the governorship ticket to the Niger North Senatorial zone from where all the aspirants mentioned by the governor come from. Though the governor did not mention their names, it is believed that former Senator Nuhu Aliyu Auna, Alhaji Mustapha Bello and a onetime Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Matane are among those jostling for the PDP governorship ticket.
