Feb 16: Atiku’s PDM divided

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) adopted Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the election.

That was coming weeks after another group headed by Senator Abubakar Mahdi adopted President Muhammadu Buhari

Mahdi led a delegation comprising chairmen and leaders of PDM from the 36 states of the federation and Abuja who conscientiously had resolved on the Jan.1 to support Buhari’s candidature in the forthcoming presidential election.

But in a twist, another group said to be chaired by Chief Dapo Sarumi, a former minister and a Lagos based politician said today the group was backing Atiku. The endorsement communique was released by the Sarumi group at an event at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

The communiqué was signed by Sarumi, who was a former Minister of Information, and six others, Dubem Onyia (South East), Chief Bode Ajewole (South West), Chief Ejiofor Onyia (South South), Dr Bala Tafida (North Central), Alhaji Kabir Bawa (North East) and Fatima Abba (North West).

PDM, which started as Peoples Front, was founded by late former Chief of General Staff (Supreme Headquarters), Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua.