Former senate president David Mark picks up PDP presidential nomination form in Abuja

FORMER senate president Senator David Bonaventure Mark is set to pick up the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) presidential nomination form today making him another official candidate in what is becoming a crowded field.

In February next year, Nigeria goes to the polls in what will likely be a two horse race between the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). President Muhammadu Buhari is likely to be the APC candidate, while the PDP candidates include Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal and Bukola Saraki. They will join the likes of Ibrahim Dankwambo, Sule Lamido, Tanimu Turaki, Ibrahim Shekarau, Attahiru Bafarawa, Jonah Jang, Ahmed Datti and now Senator Mark.

James Oche, Senator Mark's campaign coordinator, confirmed that his boss would pick up his presidential interest and nomination forms today. His intention, has, however stirred divergent reactions from some Nigerians as they wondered why Senator Mark, who has been in power for years would want to rule Nigeria as president.

Also known as the Okpokpowulu K’Idoma, Senator Mark, 70, is believed to have spent recent months canvassing the opinion of his supporters. Mr Oche, the national coordinator of Doo2Door for David Mark, said his principal, after a nationwide consultation has decided to join the presidential race to salvage the entity called Nigeria from a total collapse.

“Yes, the last man standing has arrived. He would be picking his forms on Tuesday, it is time to save Nigeria from collapse.”

Meanwhile, Benue State's Governor Samuel Ortom has been named as the PDP leader in the state, with the backing of Senator Mark. Leading members of the PDP in Benue State including former governor Gabriel Suswam and Senator Mark all participated in a recent ceremony where he was conferred as their leader.