People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to hold primaries on Jan 13

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed  that it would hold presidential primaries on Jan. 13 ahead of nationwide elections in April.

The PDP primaries for state governorship elections will be held on January 9, the party said in a statement issued by the ruling party in Nigeria, PDP.

Mr. Nwodo, Chairman PDP

The Associated Press writes that “Incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian southerner, is a favorite for the nomination. But his bid challenges an unwritten party agreement that favors the nomination of a Muslim northerner as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2011.A committee of northern political leaders has already chosen a “consensus” candidate to take on Jonathan.” The northern consensus candidate was the former vice president of Nigeria – Abubakar Atiku

BBC reported that “A group of Nigeria’s powerful governors have said they will back President Goodluck Jonathan for next year’s elections – seen as a major boost to his campaign. Half of the 36 governors backed Mr Jonathan’s bid to be selected as the ruling party’s candidate.Whoever wins the PDP nomination will be the favourite for the April 2011 poll.”