By Wole Mosadomi

Minna—Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has acceded to the demand of stakeholders in the state for his immediate past Chief of Staff, Alhaji Umar Nasko, to succeed him as governor of the state in 2015.

The governor, who spoke during a stakeholders meeting at his residence with over 200 individuals from Zone C expected to produce the next governor on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, arrangement said he had no objection to Nasko succeeding him.

The stakeholders had visited the governor at his residence where no fewer than 8 persons from the Zone C, including Kontagora, Mariga, Borgu among others commended the achievements of the present administration, expressed optimism that Nasko would be a good successor.

Responding, Governor Aliyu said since Nasko was the preferred candidate, he had no option than to also endorse him and announce him officially.

The party’s state secretary, Alhaji Aminu Yusuf, who is also from the zone, said the party had thrown its weight behind the choice and would support the governor, saying “we are very much in support of the people and where ever the governor directs us we will abide by it.”

In a chat with journalists, after the endorsement, the governor said his formal endorsement was based on wide consultation with the people not only from the zone but from the state.

“The decision was not taken by me alone but by stakeholders and I have no option than to follow people’s choice. But I want to tell you that this endorsement does not foreclose the primaries which would still be conducted should other contestants still show interest,” Aliyu added.