2019: David Mark ‘most likely’ to run for president

Former Senate President David Mark is “most likely” to run for president in 2019, his spokesman has said.

If interested in the position, Mark would run under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Paul Mumeh, his media aide, told TheCable on Monday that the former number three citizen is likely joining the race soon.

He currently represents Benue south in the upper legislative chamber.

“I think it is most likely he will contest but he (Mark) is yet to pick the form,” Mumeh told TheCable over the phone. “Although for now, nothing official from him.”

Mark handed over the structure of the PDP in Benue state to Samuel Ortom, governor of the state, earlier on Monday.

If he joins the race, he will slug out the party’s ticket with bigwigs such as Senate President Bukola Saraki who succeeded him at the upper legislative chamber, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano state, among others.

Others eyeing the number one seat are Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto state; and Ahmed Makarfi, former caretaker committee chairman of the PDP.

Last year, a youth group in the PDP called on Mark  to contest the number one position in 2019.

Abdullahi Kano, national coordinator of the group, said the senator has all the qualities to be a leader.

“Mark has never, since the inception of the PDP, left the party. For 19 years, he has remained faithful and loyal to the party. He has shown that he is not a fair-weather politician,” Ali Kano said in a statement.

“David Mark is a disciplined military officer, an astute politician who is tested and trusted. He presided over the National Assembly for eight years without blemish or blame. Nigerians will always remember him for saving our country from constitution crisis during Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s administration when he came up with the Doctrine of Necessity.”