Speculations about the possibility of Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe state becoming the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential flagbearer in 2019 are not new as this came up shortly after the party zoned the slot to the North during its national stakeholders meeting in 2015. No doubt, the plan of the party to become a major rallying force against the ruling party can only be realised if the party presents a credible, respected and acceptable presidential candidate in 2019.
After Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo’s name was speculated as one of the possible candidates for the presidential job, many are of the view that his close association with other governors and top party notchers outside the region would give him an advantage over other possible candidates.
Although Dankwambo is yet to show any sign that he is eyeing the nation’s number one seat, sources are saying a lot of underground strategies are going on by his political admirers and some top politicians to prepare the grounds for him to easily get the PDP ticket.
Credible information gathered by LEADERSHIP indicates that immediately after the decision was taken some serving governors within the party swung into top gear, lobbying to see their compatriot, Dankwambo, emerge as the party flagbearer in 2019.
A former PDP governor in the North East told our correspondent in confidence that the lobbying was so intense that non-northerners, within and outside the PDP, who were seen as friends of the north with close ties to Governor Dankwambo, were even approached to help in the lobbying process for the brilliant and relatively young top accountant turned politician.
Many stakeholders believe that Dankwambo is qualified to stage a good fight against any candidate from other political parties if he eventually gets the PDP ticket.
His political strength was demonstrated in the last elections, at the time when the PDP was in distress and at the verge of collapsing in the North, the account guru did an excellent job by retaining his mandate against all odds.
He was the only governor to be re-elected on the platform of PDP in the North after APC took the leadership of the country at the center. This automatically also made him the only Muslim opposition governor in the Northern region.
Many media organizations like the Nigerian Pilot, Vanguard Newspapers and The Leadership Group recognized Dankwambo’s excellent work in Gombe and his amazing political leadership and exploits in the country and ranked him top in the list of the nation’s powerful politicians and achievers. Further, he was also named as one of the most emerging powerful politicians in Northern Nigeria by a Coalition of Political groups
The former PDP governor then advised the party to ensure that Dankwambo emerges as there flagbearer considering his experience, political breakthrough and his loyalty to the party.
“He is very solid, competent and highly qualified to run for presidency and I believe he will stage a good fight when given the opportunity,” our source stated.
The Talban Gombe no doubt is a transformational leader with the kind of passion and drive that has led him to become one of the nation’s greatest political leaders.
Dankwambo has always been one of the trusted faithful of the party and the fact that he has a very good record when he was the country ‘s Accountant general gives him more access to top political heavy weights within and outside the northern region.
Despite budgetary constraints, his prudent management of resources is evident in the verse infrastructural revolution that has transformed both rural and Urban centres in Gombe state.
His major achievements are in the area of road construction, education and infrastructure, especially roads and water supply.
Against all odds the Talba instituted a new social and ethical order oppose to plundering of the state resources by previledge individuals and groups not minding personal political gains so long as it serves the interest of the common man.
He has track record exceeding 20 years in the banking and accounting industry, having previously worked with Coopers & Lybrand in 1985. In 1988, he joined the Central Bank of Nigeria where he served for 11 years, before he was appointed the Accountant General of Gombe state in 1999, a post he held till 2005 before he was appointed as the nation’s number one book-keeper, Accountant General of the federation in April 2005. His tenure witnessed outstanding developments as he undertook various initiatives to transform the sector before he miraculously got the PDP ticket to contest for governorship amidst strong opposition in 2011.
His re-election in 2015, witnessed a significant milestone in his political career, given Goje’s widespread influence couple with the APC coalition. The public feelings then was that the APC tsunami will affect his chances, surprisingly he was able to withered the storm.
A PDP chieftain who begged that his name should not be mentioned for strategic reason said he is very optimistic that PDP will emerge stronger in some few months. He however observed that the choice of the party presidential candidate will have a strong influence on the stability and victory of the party.
Adding that with Dankwambo’s political exploit, professional and political achievements couple with his age and energy he deserve an opportunity to “serve beyond Gombe state come 2019.”
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