Sources told SaharaReporters that despite getting earlier assurances from the candidates to step down, several of them pulled out from the agreement and stubbornly decided they will proceed to the convention ground to run against the retired general.
The side meetings had led to a prolonged delay of the kickoff of the convention.
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano said on twitter that he is still in the race. Publisher of Leadership newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah, also insisted he would run. Prince Emeka Madumere, who acts as the campaign Director for Governor Rochas Okorocha’s presidential campaign, also told Saharareporters by phone that his principal will contest the primary.
Party sources told SaharaReporters that they received credible information that President Goodluck Jonathan met with former Vice President Abubakar Atiku last Wednesday to discuss ways of frustrating Buhari from the race. Atiku is believed to have spent a huge amount of money to influence delegates to vote for him.
Source: SaharaReporters
