The PDP will hold its primary elections in the first week of October, in accordance with guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for all political parties.

There are a slew of PDP chieftains jostling for the flagbearer ticket including Senate President Bukola Saraki, Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, former Kano Governor and serving Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kaduna Governor Ahmed Makarfi, Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Sokoto Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Keenly contested primary election

The PDP presidential primary promises to be a keenly contested one in contrast with the APC presidential primary where incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari is just waiting to be handed the flagbearer ticket of the governing party.

Atiku is the candidate for PDP delegates--spokesperson

Asked on a ChannelsTV program what his principal’s chances are ahead of the primaries, Sowunmi said: “Atiku is the man that the nation is waiting for. He can’t lose the ticket. It’s practically impossible. Human beings have to vote and they have taken a position that Atiku is the candidate they are expecting. Anything other than that is crisis”.

Sowunmi also added that because he was unaware that a group made up of his admirers had already concluded plans to purchase the N12million nomination form for him.

Atiku has been eyeing the number one job in the land since 1993. He served as President Olusegun Obasanjo’s deputy from 1999 to 2007; and famously endured a frosty relationship with Obasanjo midway into their tenure.

Atiku recently defected from the APC to the PDP as he tries to realise a lifelong presidential ambition.