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PDP Was ‘Considered Dead’ Until I Came In, Says Makarfi

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Makarfi said: “PDP has become a beautiful bride because of what I did. The party was considered dead until I came in as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee and turned it round".

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Senator Ahmed Makarfi, a presidential aspirant contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has emphasised his importance to the party.

According to Makarfi, who is also a former Governor of Kaduna State, his coming into the PDP brought about a “turnaround” in the party.

He stated this on Sunday in an interactive session with newsmen, noting that he would bring his experience to bear when he “picks the ticket” and emerges as president.

His words: “PDP has become a beautiful bride because of what I did. The party was considered dead until I came in as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee and turned it round.

“No other presidential aspirant in the party has my pedigree. I have been assured of becoming the groom by members, who are aware of those efforts and have sworn they will not sell their votes at the primaries. Since I joined the PDP, I have never left the party.

“My experience as a member of the Senate Committee on Finance for eight years is also an advantage. I will bring the experience to bear when I pick the ticket and emerge as president.”

According to NAN, Makarfi stated that financial inducement would not be a determining factor during the party’s primaries.

He said: “When did Nigeria start to produce presidents because of resources? Former Presidents Shehu Shagari, Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and now President Muhammadu Buhari did not become presidents based on money.

“In one of the South-West states I visited, a member said other aspirants have been giving them money and gifts, but I don’t have to give them money or gifts to vote for me in the primaries because they know I am the best man for the job.”

He also expressed his support for a female president, stating that “it is time the women stopped taking back seats".