2019: Makarfi declares for President

A former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi has formally declared his intention contest the 2019 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The two-time senator and immediate past chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, made the declaration at a press briefing in Kaduna on Sunday.

The development comes a month to the commencement of party primaries for the next general elections.

According to the timetable and schedule of activities released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties are expected to begin their campaign primaries from August 18 to October 7, 2018.

Addressing journalists, Makarfi said he took the decision after ‘wide consultations’ with stakeholders.

His words: “It’s is just consultations and not endorsement. But it gives you an opportunity to feel the pulse and it will tell whether to go forward or not to go forward.

“The consultations have been quite positive and I believe it is fair enough to come to the conclusion that one should join other equally capable party men and women who have shown interest in seeking the party’s nomination for the 2019 presidential election. At this stage, it is to seek for the party’s nomination.

“The successful nominees will become the candidate that will stand for the election. But first thing first. If one’s party does not put him forward, you can’t say you are contesting for presidency yet.

“At this stage, I have come to the conclusion that it is okay, based on the consultations that I have had. Those who have shown interest are equally capable. We do not know how many more will show interest but whatever it is, power comes from God. The party men and women will decide who will be the candidate. I will subject myself to the will of God and the decision of the party men and women whenever it is made”.

Other PDP chieftains who have declared their intention to contest the 2019 president race include:  ex-Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Governors of Ekiti and Gombe States, Ayo Fayose and Ibrahim Dankwambo; former Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau as well as former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki.