Professor Jerry Gana, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has provided a nuanced assessment of the party's strength in Nigeria's Northeast region. In a candid interview on Arise TV, Gana highlighted the PDP's current governmental presence in the region, particularly in Adamawa State, where the party has a government in place. "I don't know when last you were in Adamawa. I'll take counsel from there—there is a PDP government in place in Adamawa, and it is real. It is in place. It is governing," Gana stated.
*PDP's Broader Presence in the Northeast*
Gana emphasized the party's broader presence in the Northeast, noting that they have three governors in the region—in Bauchi, Taraba, and Adamawa. He also suggested that the party is strong in other parts of the region, including Borno and Yobe. "How many people have gone with him? Oh, we have three governors in the whole of the Northeast where he comes from—in Bauchi, in Taraba, in Adamawa—and with the kind of murmurs that are going on, we are very strong again in Borno and Yobe and Gombe, the southern part where I've been," Gana said.
*A Challenge to Atiku's Dominance*
Gana's assessment also touched on the political influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in his home zone. According to Gana, even in Atiku's traditional stronghold, the former Vice President faces significant challenges. "What I'm now saying, even in the zone where he (Atiku) comes from, there will be very, very serious contention," Gana declared. He went further to suggest that Peter Obi would be a stronger candidate than Atiku, stating that Obi "will be far, far stronger."
*The Implications of Gana's Assessment*
Gana's assessment has significant implications for the PDP's future prospects. If the party is indeed strong in the Northeast, as Gana suggests, it could provide a solid foundation for their electoral campaigns. Additionally, the emergence of a stronger candidate than Peter Obi could potentially alter the party's fortunes and change the dynamics of the political landscape.
*A Potential Game-Changer?*
In a surprising conclusion to his assessment, Gana hinted at the existence of an even stronger potential candidate within the PDP ranks. "And we have a better candidate even than Peter Obi," he claimed, though he did not elaborate on who this candidate might be. This statement has sparked speculation about the party's potential candidates and the future of its leadership.
*The Future of the PDP*
As the PDP navigates the complex landscape of Nigerian politics, Gana's assessment provides valuable insights into the party's strengths and weaknesses. The party's ability to capitalize on its strengths and address its weaknesses will be crucial in determining its future prospects.
*Conclusion*
In conclusion, Gana's assessment of the PDP's strength in the Northeast region highlights the party's potential for growth and success. While challenges lie ahead, the party's strong presence in the region and potential for strong candidates make it a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian politics. As the party looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the complex dynamics of the political landscape and whether it can capitalize on its strengths to achieve success.
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