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| Atiku is most likely to represent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the next election if ticket is zoned to the North. |
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has reacted to claims by former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, that the party has agreed to rezone its presidential ticket to the North.
Aliyu who spoke while hosting the Atiku Support Organization (ASO), who paid him a visit, said there has been immense pressure and requests from Nigerians for the PDP to rezone the presidency to the North, a move that would mean good news to Atiku who represented the PDP in the last election, but lost.
“In our zoning agreement, we have agreed to rezone it to the North as requested by others but we have agreed and written openly as a result of what has happened that any candidate from any part of the country can now contest this election,” he said, whilst urging the group to meet with stakeholders across the country and ensure that Atiku emerges the flag bearer of the party.
However, in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP denied zoning the party's ticket to a particular part of the country, saying the claim is misleading.
The statement reads: "The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to comments and speculations from certain individuals claiming that our Party has zoned its Presidential ticket to a particular part of the country.
"This is completely misleading as it does not in any way represent the position of our Party.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP emphatically and unequivocally states that it has not zoned it Presidential ticket to any part of the country.
"The PDP is a political party founded on democratic principles and every action of the Party, including zoning, is based on extensive consultations, discussions and consideration of all the issues as well as the various tendencies and interests across the nation, with the main objective of ensuring that the unity, peaceful co-existence and development of our nation are reinforced and promoted.
"The PDP therefore urges Nigerians, our teeming members and supporters to completely disregard the unfounded zoning claims as being peddled. Our Party also cautions those behind the claims to desist forthwith.
"The PDP thanks Nigerians across board for the overwhelming interest they have in our Party as their sure platform to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from misrule and urges them to remain united and focused as we join forces for the task ahead."