By Lola Idahosa, Kaduna
Governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in northwest Nigeria have promised democratic dividends to their subjects if elected into power in 2015.
They thronged out amidst hundreds of supporters at the party’s northwest Zonal secretariat, Isa Kaita Road by Malali GRA in Kaduna on Saturday , where they were screened by a high- powered delegation of the party ahead of its primary elections slated for December 8th.
The aspirants are from Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kano. Others include Jigawa, Sokoto and Katsina respectively.
The drums were beaten heavily, as they entered to face the screening panel.Some State aspirants already cleared as at today include, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina and only Kano left for the screening tomorrow.
Speaking with newsmen after been screened by the panel headed by Dr. Steve Oru, Hon. of Niger Delta Affairs, Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Governor Yero expressed satisfaction with the transparent manner which the exercise was conducted.
According to him, “I am happy and satisfied with the strict adherence to due process by the screening committee. This shows that our party is respecting the rights of all aspirants vying for elective positions and there is level play field for all.”
The Governor said if given the opportunity to continue in office “we will consolidate on gains of the present administration in maintaining peace and security, improvement in standards of education, health care and agriculture transformation. We shall strive to do more for our people despite dwindling financial fortunes of the state.”
Yero also pledged to work with all stakeholders within the party and general society in ensure that the PDP emerged victorious in all elections in 2015 adding that “PDP remains the best option for the people because we have the experience and are capable of further improving the living conditions of our people.”
Senator Haruna Zego Aziz – PDP governorship hopeful, Kaduna State, said “I have been a political leader in Southern Kaduna since early 70s, education, adequate water supply, security and welfare top my priority.
“I have been one of those that have being making governor in Kaduna state and so many have won, it is now time for me to be in Government
House”
Rtd Major General Isa Mohammed from Kebbi State, said “ my priority is going to be agriculture, my state is the most peaceful state in Nigeria and we intend to maintain that and education will be a top priority” majority of my people live in the rural area and their major occupation is farming so I intend to focus on agriculture”
Aminu Ibrahim PDP governorship hopeful, Jigawa State, also said “ education is my top priority. “
It was observed that Security was tight, and party thugs amid the heavy presence of party thugs.
Also ,contestants were quick to reel out beautiful promises for their subjects should they emerge victorious. Abba Anas Adamu another guber hopeful ,Jigawa State, promised to make a difference in the state if given the chance to serve the people.
Engineer Musa Nashuni hoping to succeed Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State said “ education is top on my priority”
Sokoto state was however a point of focus following recent developments in the state.
The PDP is likely to face stiff opposition following the expression of intent by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who has picked the APC Sokoto guber form
The aspirants however insisted they are on a mission to reclaim the state from the APC.
The fate of these contestants would be decided by December 8th when the PDP primaries elections would be conducted. For now, their fingers are crossed, with all hoping to emerge victorious in their various states.
