Ahead of the 2015 presidential election, there are strong indications that the North has vowed not to support President Goodluck Jonathan if he decides to run for a second term.
It was gathered that the region has decided to anoint Speaker Aminu Tambuwal to take over the mantle of leadership from Jonathan.
Reliable insiders said prominent political leaders from the zone were deeply concerned about the worsening state of the nation, particularly in the North occasioned by endless poverty and security challenges that have continued to claim millions of lives and property.
A Northern Governor, who was part of the team that brokered the zoning deal with president Jonathan, pointed out that the denial of the deal was a calculated attempt to ridicule the North.
He said, “Look, an agreement is an agreement whether written or verbal. In this case, Mr. President cannot say that he did not plead with us to back him for only a term after which he would return power to the North.
“Our position is that he should be gentleman enough to honour that agreement and concede power to the North on moral grounds.
“But let me tell you that the North is not happy with the attempt by the President to jettison what he agreed with us even when he went to Addis Ababa.
”It was based on the firm belief by us that he would run for a term that we mobilised our traditional, political and religious leaders at all levels in the North to support the election of Jonathan in 2011.
“However, if the President wants to take us for a ride, let him wait and see what we can do in 2015. We have decided to take our destiny in our hands by forging ahead as a group in the next election,” the source hinted.
It was learnt that although top politicians from the area have called for the need to dump Goodluck Jonathan and back one of their own in 2015, the major problem confronting them at the moment is how to decide on a presidential candidate.
It was also gathered that no fewer than five Northern Governors are currently jostling for the Commander in Chief post.
Political players in the region are seriously mulling the idea of drafting the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, into the race.
Those who favour drafting Tambuwal into the presidential race, argue that he possesses all the qualities of a good leader, who can take Nigeria to the next level, if given the opportunity.
Another Northern Governor, who is in support of Tambuwal said, “Not only is he very pragmatic and conversant with the Nigerian situation, he also possesses what the nation requires to move forward.
“In fact, I can tell you that the North is thinking seriously about the idea and we believe that at the right time, it will be done,” the Governor said.
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