Katsina State Governor and presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democrtic Party (PDP), Umar Musa Yar’adua Tuesday denied being an anointed candidate of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He also stated that he holds no allegiance to the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), the partial machinery of his late elder brother, Major Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’adua.

He spoke with newsmen at the Domestic wing of the Lagos airport.
Speaking on the speculation making the rounds that he enjoys the backing of the president on his ambition, he explained that he only discussed the issue with him (Obasanjo), just like other presidential aspirants of the party.

“The president is a father to all of us, all aspirants in PDP, and out of respect, I did inform the president like all other aspirants did. I did inform him of my intention to pick the nomination form of my party, and he said good luck,” like he said to other aspirants,” he stated.

Yar’dua also cleared, the air on the allegation that he was not a formidable member of the PDM, and that his ambition was borne out of an effort to polarise the group.
He disclosed that he is not a member of the group, although he informed that he believes in its ideals and those of his late elder brother, which according to him borders on selfless service and dedication to Nigeria’s unity. He stressed that his commitment and dedication is rather to his political party, the PDP.

“You see, from 1998, I have been a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, I am a dedicated and loyal member of my party. I do not recognise any other political association apart from the party that I represent, and my loyalty is 100 per cent to my party.

“So, the issue of PDM to me really does not arise of course. PDM’s existence is a fact in the process of our political development over the past one decade, but the reality today is what is on ground. Where I belong and what I’m committed to and what I serve. I am dedicated to the Peoples Democratic Party,” he submitted.

While expressing confidence that he would make it through the party’s primary election, he stated that he woud give priority to power supply, solid mineral development and agriculture, if elected president next year.