He came third in the primary, behind Shehu Shagari and Maitama Sule, his candidacy having been partly financed by Hamza Rafindadi Zayyad, the head of the New Nigeria Development Company.
In the primary contest, he placed third, trailing behind Shehu Shagari and Maitama Sule. His campaign was partially supported by Hamza Rafindadi Zayyad, the head of the New Nigeria Development Company.