No fewer than eight governorship aspirants under the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State have resolved to adopt a consensus candidate for the 2019 election.

Dr. Ja’afaru Sa’ad, who is one of the aspirants made this known in Kaduna over the weekend while fielding questions from journalists, describing the development as commendable.

Sa’ad, who is also the Galadiman Ruwan Zazzau said that the idea was for the PDP to form a united front capable  of defeating whoever the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) fields as its candidate.

“Eight of us seeking for the party ticket have been urged by our party to go, discuss among ourselves and come out with a consensus candidate.

“We are all qualified and capable but as members of the same family, we do not have room for internal crisis usually associated with primary elections.

“To me, this is a unity of purpose. All we want is victory come 2019 elections, not only for our party but primarily for the people of Kaduna State whom we hope to represent and serve,” Sa’ad said.

He further stressed that the measure would enable the party channel all its resources, expertise and energy into ensuring that it puts up a good fight in the 2019 elections and wrestle power from the APC.

While identifying some of the other aspirants as Malam Isah Ashiru, Mohammed Sani Bello, Bello Kagarko, Sani Sidi, Jonathan Kish, Ramalan Yero, the immediate past governor of the state and Shuaibu Mikati, Sa’ad said their mission was to work together for the interest of the party and the people of the state.

“Eight of us were at the meeting on Tuesday, except for Ashiru who sent a representative. We embraced the idea with all our heart. We will commence sitting hopefully this week to bring out one candidate that will beat the APC come 2019 elections,” he added.

Confirming the development, the secretary of the PDP in Kaduna State, Malam Ibrahim Wusono said that it was a collective agreement by the party executives, elders and members.

His words: “We have the option of either coming out with a consensus candidate out of the eight currently vying for the gubernatorial ticket, or conducting an election if we could not reach a consensus.

“As party executive, we met with members, elders of the party; former Vice President Namadi Sambo and Mohammed Makarfi among others to decide on the way forward. Our leaders assured us that they do not have a candidate, that their candidate is the people’s candidate.

“We summoned a meeting on Tuesday July 17 to see the possibility of a consensus candidate that will be acceptable by members and the people of Kaduna State; someone who if elected will be a leader of all.

“And if not possible, then we will have to conduct election when the time comes. But we were happy when the eight aspirants bought the idea and promised to get back to us very soon.”