The immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs and a governorship aspirant in Bauchi state, Yusuf Tuggar said that the party would most likely conduct a direct primary with more than five aspirants vying for the party’s ticket.
He stated: “To be honest, it is unlikely that there is going to be a consensus in Bauchi State. I don’t think that there will be agreement amongst the aspirants.
“Initially there were five aspirants, and then all of a sudden, yesterday we saw a flurry of activity and a deluge of forms being procured. So this is a day before the screening, and it makes you wonder why or how, but people are free to exercise their freedom to contest.”
Tuggar, however, said that it was important for the party to make sure those aspiring are sincere in their intention to contest and not those that would withdraw for one preferred candidate.
“It’s important that any fraudulent or untoward practice is not entertained by the APC,” Tuggar noted.
He expressed optimism that he would be third time lucky having contested twice in the past.
Tuggar added: “This time will be different if my party fields me as its candidate. Because in 2011, when I ran under CPC, I ran against an incumbent that was contesting for the second term. This time around it’s an incumbent that is at the end of his term, so he’s looking to field a replacement…”
On his part, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat expressed optimism that he would be the next governor of Lagos state.
“At home, I’m very comfortable. I’m absolutely comfortable. But we’ll see. That’s the essence. It’s for our citizens, our party members. It is going to be their choice, but I’m confident that at the end of the day, not only that, I will be the next Governor of Lagos State,” he said.