Leading presidential aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were in Edo State as part of the ongoing consultation with stakeholders over the party’s zoning formula ahead of the 2023 general elections.
They include former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Governors of Sokoto and Bauchi States, Aminu Tambuwal and Bala Mohammed and foremost economist, Alhaji Mohammed Hayatudeen, among others.
The aspirants were received by Godwin Obaseki at the Government House in Benin City.
The leader of the delegation, Saraki, who spoke on behalf of others, said the visit was to canvas for the option to adopt a consensus candidate ahead of the 2023 general elections.
He said, “We all know the various situations that exist in our country and the need for the PDP to provide a platform and in doing that, we realize that the interest of the country is more paramount to our own interests.
“As such, we have come together and agreed that we should work out a consensus where we don’t all just go to the field. We don’t want our energy to be focused on just trying to get to power, but on how to help make Nigeria better.”
Responding, Obaseki said the country was in dire need of a leader with the capacity to unite and rebuild the nation.
He said, “40 years ago, we had a big cake to share but not today. That cake has disappeared. Whoever aspires to be president of this country must be somebody who Nigerians are ready to give ingredients to start to rebuild a bigger cake for us all.
“For us in Edo, we are ready for building a bigger, stronger and better Nigeria as we can’t continue the way we are today. We are concerned that except the PDP comes out and rallies Nigerians around, it will be difficult to pull Nigeria back from the brinks.”
