GARNERING a total of 68 per cent of all votes cast in a just-concluded online poll, Ibrahim Dankwambo has defeated other members of the People’s Democratic Party slugging it out for the party’s presidential ticket.
The poll, which was conducted on Twitter by DailyTrust, a national newspaper headquartered Abuja, also featured Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who were received most votes in various previously conducted polls.
The poll had asked, “Who is the best candidate for @OfficialPDPNig [PDP]?” Atiku and Saraki, coming second place, had a total of 11 per cent, while Kwankwaso staggered behind with a slightly lower percentage of 10 per cent.
Dankwambo is a two-time governor of Gombe State, first winning by a landslide in the governorship election of April 26, 2011.
Earlier in August, the 56-year-old declared an intention to contest in the 2019 presidential election under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This, he said, is to enable him “consolidate on the gains of democracy and save the country from hunger and starvation”.
Other members of the PDP also in the race include Aminu Tambuwwal, Sule Lamido, Kabiru Turaki, Attahiru Bafarawa, Datti Baba-Ahmed, Ahmed Makarfi, Jonah Jang and David Mark.
A total number 17,925 Twitter users participated in the poll which lasted about seven hours.
#PDPPresidentialPrimary: Who is the best candidate for @OfficialPDPNig ?
(Check results in reply)@HEDankwambo @atiku @RMKwankwaso @bukolasaraki
TOP FOUR ASPIRANTS ACCORDING TO THE LAST POLL
— Daily Trust (@daily_trust) October 6, 2018
Some Nigerians have however criticised the choice of candidates by saying none of those mentioned deserves to fly the party’s flag at the presidential race.
“There should be an option for ‘none’,” Adabenege Peter suggested.
Likewise, Jerry Jay (@chimajerryjay30) said the winner ought to be Aminu Tambuwal whose name was not on the list.
There should be option for “None”
— Adabenege Peter (@preadyson) October 6, 2018
Meanwhile, members of the PDP have presently gathered at Adokiye Amiesiekema Stadium, Port Harcourt, for the party’s convention. They will be deciding who shall represent the party ahead of the presidential election in February 2019.
'Kunle works with The ICIR as an investigative reporter and fact-checker. You can shoot him an email via [email protected] or, if you're feeling particularly generous, follow him on Twitter @KunleBajo.