Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has declared his intention to run for president in 2019 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Dankwambo, who made the declaration on Saturday in Gombe, said his decision was based on calls from different quarters for him to run. He said: “I have listened to the clarion calls by the good people of Nigeria, and I deemed it fit to declare for president.
“Today, I declare for president under the PDP.” Dankwambo said improving security and economy of the nation would be his major focus. He said: “I would address the challenges with a blueprint to better the lots of the people of Nigeria.
“Poverty will be fought and defeated under my leadership. “I have the experience; the good people of Nigeria can testify.” Earlier, Prof. Terhember Shinja, the Director-General of the Dankwambo Campaign Organisation, said it was the turn of North East to produce the president.
According to Shinja, Dankwambo has contributed much to the PDP by leading its members to rebuild the party.
Before Dankwambo, three other major contestants had declared interest in flying the flag of the PDP for the 2019 election.
They are former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former Minister for Special Duties in the Administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Kabir Taminu Turaki; and former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Kwankwaso.
The assumption also is that with the defection from the All Progressives Congress to the PDP by the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, he will join the presidential race.
