“The assumption has always been that Tambuwal will easily get the ticket,” a source in Atiku’s camp told SaharaReporters, “but I believe a lot of things have taken place in the last 48 hours in such a way that events may not play out as people think. You just watch out what will happen in the next 48 hours. And I can tell you that for now, we’re looking very good.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is still very confident of his chances despite the glaring wish of Nyesom Wike, Governor Rivers State, for Aminu Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, to emerge the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The PDP presidential primary holds on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State — a venue that was single-handedly picked by Wike, who is currently the ex-ruling party’s financier.
A source very close to Wike told SaharaReporters on Thursday that Wike intends to “do everything” to ensure Tambuwal emerges victor.
“The idea is to give everything to help Tambuwal get the ticket,” said the source, who asked not to be named.
“And this shouldn’t be too difficult because Wike controls PDP now. He is the biggest spender; he is the moneybag. He is the one holding PDP financially. He is backing Tambuwal and he will succeed in it.”
SaharaReporters understands that despite all his presidential posturing, Bukola Saraki and his team understand that their chances are limited, and the plan, in any case, was always to make a statement because the presidential ticket is out of reach.
“Saraki will not get it because he can’t go far, and we know all of these things,” said a source from Saraki’s camp. “I think Saraki is just trying to make a statement. We know he doesn’t stand a chance of getting the ticket. It is between Atiku and Tambuwal.”
Atiku, meanwhile, is “feeling very good” and is "banking on the next 48 hours" to turn the tide against frontrunner Tambuwal.
“The assumption has always been that Tambuwal will easily get the ticket,” a source in Atiku’s camp told SaharaReporters, “but I believe a lot of things have taken place in the last 48 hours in such a way that events may not play out as people think. You just watch out what will happen in the next 48 hours. And I can tell you that for now, we’re looking very good.”
Pressed on what exact strategy would be explored in the 48 hours, he said: "No chance. No chance. Don't let me jinx it. YOu will know at the eleventh hour."