Forty-eight hours after dumping the All Progressives Congress (APC), former chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday signified his interest in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket ahead of Adamawa State election slated for October 11.

The former APC presidential candidate in 2011 election registered for the PDP in Bako, Yola Local Government Area last Saturday. Confirming Ribadu’s interest in the governorship race, his political associate, Alhaji Hamidu Mahmud, yesterday picked Expression of Interest and Nomination Form for the ex-EFCC boss.

Mahmud who told newsmen that the former anti-corruption czar has formally applied for a waiver to enable him seek for elective office under the ruling party (PDP), expressed confidence that Mallam Ribadu would scale the hurdle. “Yes, we have applied. The framers of the PDP Constitution didn’t insert a waiver clause in anticipation of Ribadu.

“He is expected to enjoy it and we are awaiting the directive of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC).”

Mahmud denied insinuations that Mallam Ribadu was the anointed candidate of President Goodluck Jonathan for the ticket as he claimed that the former EFCC chairman was emboldened to dump the APC as a result of pressures from PDP stalwarts in Adamawa State.

“We aren’t aware that the President wants him. It is PDP chieftain asking him to come. So, the issue of the President wanting Ribadu doesn’t arise.”

Ribadu’s entry into the race has increased the ranks of aspirants for the ticket to seven. Those who have signified interest include the Acting Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintri, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong and former Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, Ahmed Gulak.

Also in the race is the former chairman of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Ahmed Modibbo and Awwal Tukur, the son of erstwhile National Chairman, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

Further checks by Daily Sun revealed that former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brig-Gen Mohammed Marwa (retd), has also picked nomination form.

•Text courtesy of Daily Sun. Photo shows Nuhu Ribadu.

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