Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, has been called upon to join the race for the presidency in 2019.
The re-elected governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015, he is the only two-term governor from the North as a member of the opposition PDP.
A coalition of Nigerian youths, rose from a two-day meeting in Abuja, to call on him to run, declaring total support for him.
There is no official response yet from either the governor or his media team.
The national executive body of the coalition Democratic Youths Alliance, (DYA), at the weekend, urged support for Dankwambo.
According to a statement signed by Tersoo Yisa and Daniel Fajana, on behalf of the group, their decision to zero in on Dankwambo in their search for young and brilliant candidates to support for the 2019 presidential election, was based on his age, track records and performance as Gombe governor.
“Governor Dankwambo was rated based on his outstanding achievements in road infrastructure and maintenance, which has drastically reduced the spate of accidents usually recorded on roads in the state due to their bad nature.
“On behalf of the national executive of DYA, we commend the service and developmental strides of Governor Dankwambo and urge him to, as a matter of urgency, show interest in the 2019 presidential race so that our members nationwide can intensify ongoing efforts to mobilise for him.”
They further said that they were convinced of the governor’s capacity to transform Nigeria after their secret visit to Gombe last week.
“We were particularly impressed by the governor’s milestone achievements in road infrastructure in Gombe township, Kumi township road and Biliri township road
“A total estimated distance of roads constructed by Dankwambo stands at over 3000kms, and this is why we have declared his excellency as the best governor in northern Nigeria and most suitable for the presidency in 2019,” the group said.
Dankwambo was also scored high in health, education, agriculture, security and human development, which the group said was attested to by residents who were secretly interviewed.
Within the Gombe City metropolis alone, we noticed 87 roads, including 6 dual carriageways, have been constructed. Over 300kms cumulative length of asphalted roads in the state. Over 400kms cumulative length of surfaced-dressed roads, 53kms cumulative length of walkways with an additional 280kms nearing completion.
Several bridges scattered across different towns and villages including the six span Kuri bridge to connect communities that were previously cut off.
