Ribadu set to contest Adamawa governorship race, picks PDP nomination form

Ribadu

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who just defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party said he has applied to the national leadership of the ruling party to grant him waiver in order to enable him contest the party’s governorship primary in Adamawa State.

Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, said this on Monday when he picked the party’s Expression of Interest Form in Abuja.

The form will enable him contest the governorship primary of the party in the state on Sep. 6.

Ribadu’s form was picked for him by his political associate, Alhaji Ahmidu Mahmoud.

Mahmoud, who spoke with journalists after he payed N11m for the form, said Ribadu was ready for the party’s primary adding that he was confident of getting the waiver.

He said, “I’m here on behalf of Ribadu to purchase the nomination form on his behalf in order to enable him contest the governorship primary in Adamawa State.

“We have commenced the process of getting waiver. The waiver clause in the party’s constitution was not inserted because of him.

“He is expected to enjoy the waiver. We have applied for the waiver and we expect that he would get it.”

He dispelled the rumour making the rounds that Ribadu was banking on the support of President Goodluck Jonathan to win the primary and the election, which the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed for October 11, 2014.

“We are not aware that the President wants him, but some PDP chieftains in our state called him. He doesn’t need to have any structure on ground to win. He is ready to contest the primary,” Mahmoud added.

Our correspondent gathered that Ribadu’s plea for waiver letter, which he addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu was dated August 16.

The letter, which was sighted by our correspondent read in part, “I wish to humbly write to apply for a clearance/waiver to enable me aspire for position on the platform of this great party.

“As a fresher in the party, I have duly obtained my membership, paid required dues. I hereby tender photocopies, including my voter’s card for your necessary action.”

Punch