As the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) holds its presidential campaign rally in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital on Saturday to host its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, party leaders and major stakeholders have boycotted the campaign rally.

Daily Independent gathered that the boycott is not unconnected to the lingering leadership crises rocking the state party and litigation against some candidates filed by aggrieved members.

According to an investigation carried out by our correspondent, prominent among those who boycotted the rally include former Minister for Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu, former Chief of Army Staff, Rt. Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamayi, former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samaila Sa’idu Samabawa and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Buhari Bala.

Others are the former gubernatorial candidate in 2015, Rt. Major General Bello Sarkin Yaki, former gubernatorial aspirant, Barr. Ibrahim Manga, PDP Senatorial candidate, Kebbi North, Sani Bawa and PDP Senatorial candidate, Kebbi Central, Malam Haruna Saidu amongst others.

It was also gathered that In an effort to ensure mass attendance of people at the event, the main opposition party hired people from the neighbouring states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger as well as the neighbouring countries of Benin and Niger Republics to make up for the deficit and save face.

Youth in some areas of the state were also lured with jerseys to attend the party rally. (Saturday Independent)