A former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has vowed to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 election if opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gives the ticket.
Mr Kwankwaso, a senator, is one of the aggrieved members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, who fell out with the party due to unfavourable outcome of the recently concluded congresses and convention.
In an interview with the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Mr Kwankwaso expressed optimism that he has the political support to defeat the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari.
“PDP needs someone from the 3k states: Kano, Katsina and Kaduna to win the next election. That’s where the votes are. It would be difficult to win if they pick someone from any other zone…
“I can guarantee them that I will beat Buhari if given the chance…”
Explaining reason for boycotting the party’s convention, Mr Kwankwaso told his interviewer that it was obvious some people don’t want to see his face at the venue.
“A man who respects himself should never force himself on anyone,” he stated.
On whether he is still in the APC, the senator said: “I’m a free man now and available to try my luck elsewhere but I know that PDP is the biggest party and as long as they follow democratic principle, Buhari will easily be defeated, but if they handpick and force any candidate on the party, they will fail.”
The former governor claimed he gave APC the structure that brought Mr Buhari into power, noting that he “still holds that magic wand” to make or mar the election.
He said it would be difficult for Mr Buhari to repeat such impressive showing in Kano when he is fighting him and his predecessor, Ibrahim Shekarau.
