Some groups in Kaduna State at the weekend resolved to organise a two-million-man-match to convince former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, to join the 2019 presidential race.
Abdullahi Mu’azu, the Coordinator of groups on the platform of Bafarawa Initiative for Peace, Unity and Progress, made this known to newsmen after a meeting in Kaduna.
He expressed their readiness to obtain a nomination form for Bafarawa when the time comes.
Mu’azu said, “Bafarawa is a respected and peaceful personality and a more focused Nigerian, full of ideas and respect for the youths, more than most of those indicating interest in the race
so far.”
According to him, Bafarawa as a politician and former governor, is a hardworking and disciplined politician, who had transformed Sokoto State better than any other governor in the history of the
state.
He said, “He is a politician with nationwide outreach and can be trusted. The Northwest has more formidable and qualified politicians who can deliver great things in terms of development.
“The current Federal Government has failed Nigerian youths with insecurity, economic crisis and high rate of unemployment.’’
Meanwhile, spokesman of the former governor, Malam Yusuf Dingyadi, said Bafarawa would study the groups’ demand and look at the political scenario of the country before taking a decision.
Dingyadi said in a telephone interview that the PDP chieftain would soon respond to the demands of the
groups.
He said, “He will do that in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. Bafarawa’s mind is certainly preoccupied with how to contribute his quota to make Nigeria better with best of ideas.
“For over two years now, some Nigerians have been persuading Bafarawa to declare intention to contest the office of the president, but he is still studying the situation and praying for divine intervention over the matter.’’
However, Bafarawa is facing corruption charges before a Sokoto High Court on his activities when he served as governor, between 2003 and 2007.
He also has another case over arms funds allegedly diverted by former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
The two cases were filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
