The Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirants are facing a tough battle in agreeing on a consensus arrangement as the moves by some top presidential aspirants of the party were heading for the rocks.
It was gathered that the party might have no option but to adopt either direct or indirect primaries for its May 29 shadow election.
It was reliably learnt that the aspirants were not making headway on the consensus discussion because most of them believed they were better positioned to be the party presidential candidate.
Findings also showed that disagreements on whether zoning should be adopted or not were another hurdle.
As at last count, no fewer than 14 aspirants have picked the Presidential forms sold at N40m each.
Those who have joined the race are: A former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Sokoto State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Aminu Tambuwal; and his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Others include: Ovation Publisher, Dele Momodu; former Governor Ayodele Fayose; Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State; his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike; investment banker and economist, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen; a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Sam Ohuabunwa; Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze; former Senate President Pius Anyim and Oliver Diana.
Saraki, who alongside Tambuwal and Mohammed held a consultative meeting with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, on Monday, said the consensus plan of the aspirants was working.
However, a top member of the party stated that contrary to the picture being painted outside, the presidential aspirants are not making any headway.
“One, they have obtained forms and each of them believes he is the best for the consensus arrangement. Two, without the zoning problem being resolved, the consensus arrangement will not fly.
“For now, the party has not agreed on zoning. Atiku is not ready to step down. If consensus must succeed, all aspirants must key in.”
