Atiku and 9 Govs Float New Party, Apply To INEC for Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed on  Wednesday that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and some Governors  of the crisis-ridden ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have applied  for the registration of a group, Peoples Progressive Movement (PPM), as a political party.

The commission said it is processing the application – this was disclosed by Kayodu Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega.

Among the Governors who are promoting the new political association are Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, Sule Lamido of Jigawa State and Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State.

The five Governors have been in the vanguard of dissent within the mainstream PDP.

They have been moving round the country to “consult” with past leaders to “save the country’s nascent democracy.”

Beside the five, there are also indications that Kwara State  Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Governor  of Taraba may have decided to stake their political lot with the yet to  be registered party.

Though it could not be confirmed at press time, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is also said to be sympathetic to the new group.

A former INEC National Commisioner, Mohammed Abubakar, a lawyer who is a close political ally of Atiku, filed the papers at INEC on behalf of the group.