Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra governor Peter Obi, Governor Nyesom Wike, former Senate President Bukola Saraki – all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirants – shunned First Lady Aisha Buhari’s Ramadan Iftar dinner on Saturday. Also absent at event were Udom Emmanuel, Dele Momodu and Aminu Tambuwal.
But Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, a PDP presidential aspirant broke ranks by attending.
Aspirants in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) honoured the dinner invitation.
Among the aspirants present were Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor David Umahi, Senator Chris Ngige, Tein Jack-Rich and Adamu Garba.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai, Barnabas Gemade, former speaker Yakubu Dogara, Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio also attended.
Contrary to protocol instructions, some youths smuggled their phones into the banquet hall to pose for selfies with Tinubu, believed to be frontrunner for the APC ticket.
President Buhari’s aide Lauretta Onochie, who gave the vote of thanks, advised all the Presidential Aspirants to always consider Nigeria first, in their dealings.
“Remember that there are greater Nigerians who do not belong to any of the political parties.
“Whoever wins in 2023 must see himself/herself as the President of Nigeria and for Nigerians, not only political party members or the elites, and those who do not make it, should support the winner , for the interest of Nigeria. So that Nigeria will be the utmost winner at last,” Lauretta advised.
(Adapted from PM report)
*( metrowatchxtra.com )
