Kwankwaso launches his 2019 presidential bid challenging Buhari in Anambra State

FORMER Kano State governor Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has launched his 2019 presidential bid with a campaign launch in Anambra State aimed at securing him the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket later this year.

Next year, Nigeria will go to the polls to elect a new president and later this year, the ruling APC will have to pick a presidential candidate who will serve as its flagbearer. Senator Kwankwaso, currently representing Kano Central Senatorial District, was in Anambra State yesterday where he met with the leadership of his group, the Kwankwaso Movement and the Hausa community in the state.

In his address at the gathering, the presidential hopeful asked for the support of the people to enable him achieve his presidential ambition. He noted that the first hurdle would be to emerge victorious in the primary election, listing the incessant killings and economic meltdown as what informed his decision to contest.

Senator Kwankwaso said: “I am in this contest because I want to restore the lost glory of the country. I have come to see the people of the state and thank them for their support to me.

“The southeast region is important in this journey because we cannot do without them. Elections are not a do-or- die and my successor, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who is opposing my ambition should have a rethink and join me to better the welfare of Nigerians."

He commended the Hausa community in the state for coming out en-masse to show support for one of their own. Senator Kwankwaso also described the recent killings in the country as unfortunate and called on the federal government to show more concern towards the governed.

John Ndiche,  the state chairman of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, commended Senator Kwankwaso for coming to see them despite his tight schedules. He gave assurances that the state would support the senator's ambition, praying God to grant him victory

While in Anambra State, Senator Kwankwaso paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alex Onyido, who gave him a royal blessing. It is not yet clear if there will be any other APC challengers to President Buhari.