Adamawa gov race: Why Ribadu may not get PDP waiver •Opposition mounts against him •Real reasons he left APC

Adamawa gov race: Why Ribadu may not get PDP waiver •Opposition mounts against him •Real reasons he left APC

MORE facts emerged on Sunday on why the former chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), may lose his bid to get waiver to enable him to contest for the governorship election in Adamawa State

It was gathered last night that according to Section 50 of the PDP Constitution, to qualify for a waiver, the beneficiary must go through ward to the local government, state and finally the National Executive Committee (NEC) levels, depending on the position being sought.


However, it was learnt that Ribadu collected the membership card of PDP last week at Bako ward in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State by a proxy, who brought it to him in Abuja, where he attempted to apply for the waiver

Nigerian Tribune source revealed that the leadership of the party was trying to see how they could prevail on the state chapter of the party to issue the waiver, so as to enable him to pursue his ambition.

The state chapter was, however, said to have turned down the request, insisting not to be part of any illegality.

Meanwhile, the defection of Ribadu to PDP has started generating ripples within and outside the party in Abuja and Adamawa State.

According to the Nigerian Tribune investigations, the defection was believed to have already polarised the party in Adamawa State, ahead the state governorship bye election slated for October 11.

Members of the party were said to be kicking against the alleged attempt by the national leadership of the party to foist him as its candidate.

The source revealed that move by the PDP to anoint Ribadu as its candidate was believed to be enjoying the support and collaboration of the Principal Private Secretary to President Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Hassan Tukur, an indigene of Adamawa State.

Sensing trouble, it was gathered that some concerned elders of the party had reached out to President Jonathan to advise him over the possible consequence “a Ribadu candidacy” would have on the fortunes of the party in the governorship election and most importantly, the 2015 presidential election.

As of press time, it was gathered that some members of the party who fought to ensure Governor Murtala Nyako was impeached, were said to be regrouping to restrategise on how to stop the possible imposition of Ribadu.

The group, it was gathered, had the acting governor, Honourable Umaru Fintiri; former Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak and a party chieftain in the state, Dr Panny Boga, as strategists.

Those who had, so far, indicated interest to contest the governorship election included former military administrator of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa; former senator representing Adamawa Central, Abubakar Girei; former Political Adviser to the President, Ahmed Gulak, and a former minister, Idi Hong.

Others included Dr Umar Ardo, former Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission; Dr Ahmed Modibo; Mr Markus Gundiri and the son of former PDP national chairman, Mr Awual Tukur.

The acting governor, Fintiri, had also announced his intention to contest, following the pressure from 13 of his colleagues from the state House of Assembly.

Details, however, emerged on Sunday as to the real reasons Ribadu dumped APC for PDP.

Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune confirmed that the former anti-corruption czar had been harbouring some misgivings against the leadership of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which last year merged to form the APC.

A source said that Ribadu fell betrayed by leaders of the then ACN for letting him down during the presidential election.

He was said to have been shocked that leaders of his party not only failed to fund the election, but also lost their wards and polling units to President Jonathan in most of the South-West states, where he expected to record huge votes.

A source said that the outcome of the polls confirmed fears in the Ribadu campaign that a secret pact existed between President Jonathan and leaders of his party.

Besides the outcome of the 2011 election, Ribadu was said to have felt his back put to the wall as far as the control of APC in Adamawa was concerned.

“He believes that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has already seized control of the structure of the APC in the state, giving him little or no chance of emerging the gubernatorial candidate,” the source disclosed.

It was gathered that while President Jonathan planned to name Ribadu a special adviser upon his return from a United Nations (UN) job in 2011, the leadership of the then ACN lobbied him and lured him away with the presidential ticket