A presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi has dismissed the role money would play in the race for the party’s presidential ticket.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos on Sunday at a stakeholders’ meeting he held with leaders of the Lagos State Chapter of the PDP, Makarfi said most of the party members have since concurred that he was best suited for the ticket among a dozen other aspirants, hence he does not need to give money to secure their votes.

Among the other aspirants are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of  Gombe State while Senate President Bukola Saraki has been on a national tour, apparently consulting to join the fray.

Makarfi said contrary to some opinions, money will not be a major determining factor for who will eventually pick the PDP ticket, adding that money has never been a determinant in who becomes Nigeria’s president.

“When did Nigeria start to produce presidents because of resources? Former presidents Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and now President Muhammadu Buhari did not become presidents based on money.

“In one of the Southwest states I visited, a member said other aspirants have been giving them money and gifts, but I don’t have to give them money or gifts to vote for me in the primaries because they know I am the best man for the job,” Makarfi said.

The former governor of Kaduna State and former National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP, who is now one of the over 12 presidential aspirants of the party said he was confident of picking the party’s sole presidential ticket.

Makarfi, who just concluded meetings with PDP members in the South-west said his exceptional performance as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee will give him an edge at the primaries.

“PDP has become a beautiful bride because of what I did. The party was considered dead until I came in as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee and turned it round.

“No other presidential aspirant in the party has my pedigree. I have been assured of becoming the groom by members who are aware of those efforts and have sworn they will not sell their votes at the primaries.

“Since I joined the PDP, I have never left the party. My experience as a member of the Senate Committee on Finance for eight years is also an advantage. I will bring the experience to bear when I pick the ticket and emerge as president,” he said.

Makarfi added he had perfected measures that will curtail the incessant herders-farmers clashes if given the party’s ticket and elected president of Nigeria.