ANPP Leaders Woo IBB

ome top members of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), including senators and former governors, have urged the party to do all it can to lure former military President Ibrahim Babangida to its fold.

The move by the members is premised on the calculation that the former military leader may not secure the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to enable him contest in next year’s general election.

Among the arrowheads of the move to get Babangida into the ANPP are Senators Ahmed Sani Yarima (Zamfara West), Kabiru Gaya (Kano North), member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abdulaziz Yari from Zamfara State and the ANPP National Secretary, Alhaji Saidu Kumo, among others.

Available information indicate that even though Babangida is yet to be contacted, a high-powered delegation will likely be sent to the general in due course to make the offer of joining the ANPP.

Giving an insight into the plan, former Zamfara State governor, Ahmed Sani Yarima, told THISDAY that: "It is true such a proposal was discussed, and we are exploring avenue to make it a reality. As at the last time we held a meeting in that regard, IBB has not been consulted, but we feel it is not necessary now. We are waiting to see how the PDP primaries will go.

"We feel with his popularity, mass appeal and experience as a former Head of State, he will be the best person for this country at the moment.
"Don't forget the fact that Babangida had himself given the hint that he may seek his ambition under another platform if denied the PDP ticket. We are trying to explore that and also ensure that we field a candidate that will match PDP in all ramification," Yarima, one of the top financiers of the party, disclosed to THISDAY.

He said, if IBB accedes to their request, the party would mobilise its members and resources to ensure he gets the ticket.
"I have spoken to the national secretary and others who are all eager to take the idea to the next level," he added.

Efforts to speak to the ANPP national secretary was not successful yesteday. However, the party’s publicity secretary, Mr. Emma Eneukwu said the party as a body has not discussed the issue.

"It is not even an agenda for us at the moment because the person in question (IBB) is not a member of our party. Until he joins ANPP, I cannot comment on his ambition. As for our members you mentioned, they are free as individuals to express their opinions on issues, and to propagate such opinions," Eneukwu said.

Also, IBB's spokesman, Prince Kassim Afegbua said the former military president is a strong member of the PDP and will seek to be its presidential candidate next year.
"That is the end of the matter. Honestly, we are very confident of getting the party's (PDP’s) ticket. As such, all our energy is tailored towards that," he added.

The move to drag IBB into the ANPP will make a strong opponent of Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau who has already declared his intention to contest next year's presidential poll under the banner of the ANPP.