Contest for National Secretary raises tempo
Sources identified the contest for the position of the party’s national secretary as one of the most contentious issues likely to face the party at the convention.
Northeast governors of the party are said to be resisting moves by some forces who are encouraging a former National Chairman of PDP, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff to produce the next national secretary of the party.
Sheriff recently rejoined the party after flirting with the PDP.
Four contenders have emerged for the office of National Secretary of the party; the incumbent, Mallam Mai Mala Buni (Yobe); a cerebral politician, Kashim Imam (Borno); Buhari’s ardent loyalist, Waziri Bulama; and Dr. Haruna Yerima.
A Governors’ Forum source said: “Sheriff is backing Kashim Imam (Borno) but Governor Ibrahim Gaidam is pleading with his colleagues to retain the slot in Yobe since Borno State has cornered many juicy appointments.
“So far, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and I think leaders from Gombe and Taraba have agreed that Yobe should produce the party’s secretary. The governor of Bauchi State is being expected to tag along with his colleagues.”
“Some strategists of the President, party leaders and Sheriff prefer either Kashim Imam or Waziri Bulama from Buhari Support Organization.
“Although the governors have been extremely loyal to the President, they might not guarantee him success at the poll in 2019 if the party’s secretariat is handed over to Sheriff.”
When contacted, a member of the National Convention Committee said: “Some members of this committee have heard of plans to disrupt the convention but we cannot authoritatively confirm it.
“All I can tell you is that the Convention Committee will work round the clock to make it a successful one.”
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