By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
As the intrigues over the number one political position ahead of 2023 general election intensify, Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) Gov. Waziri Tambuwal has commenced consultation over his presidential ambition.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives in a statement on Monday signed by Muhammad Bello, Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor said that the move was in response to overtures from his friends, constituents and political associates.
The governor of Sokoto State said that his aspirations was based on his genuine intention to provide true leadership for the country.
Gov. Tambuwal who recalled that the trajectory of his political career has shown a consistent struggle for democratic astuteness, also pointed out that he has never ventured into any political striving without seeking the approval and blessing of the people of his state as well as constituency.
He, therefore, concurred to start a nationwide consultation process that will enable him decide whether to throw his heart in the ring or not.
He said: “I have listened to our party leaders, women and youths on the call that I should initiate and begin the process of consultations with a view of running and contesting for the President of Nigeria under the banner of our great party”.
He disclosed that he would launch the deliberations in earnest and announce what feedback he gets.
Gov. Tambuwal recalled that “the voices of wisdom, conscience and advices from our leaders reflecting, anchoring and leveraging on some part of my (political) history,” was accurate.”
He narrated that: “when members of the House of Representatives of the 7th Assembly approached with their desire for me to constest for the position of Speaker, I gave them certain conditions, one of which was that I have leaders – late President Shehu Shagari, former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and two others in (Sokoto) state.
“I told them to go to my state and consult with these leaders. If they bless your initiative, I will accept your proposal and contest for the Speaker.
“When they came to Sokoto, President Shehu Shagari of blessed memory admonished them that: ‘if you are putting our son forward as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, your efforts must not be sectional or religious,’ “ he stressed, pointing to the direction of current political pursuits which thrust, he notes, must be based on a genuine effort to produce a President for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.
