Vunderkind
Social Member
The Nation newspaper reports that President Goodluck Jonathan is now testing the waters with four strategies before he formally declares his intent for the 2015 presidential race.
Sources say that Jonathan has decided to run with his vice-president Namadi Sambo.
Speaking on why he decided to renege on his alleged promise to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo by contesting a second term, a presidency source said that the promise isn't bound by the 1999 Constitution, and it was also untenable under the "principle of equitable estopel."
The committee set up by vice-president Sambo to work out the modalities ahead of his declaration is said to have recommended three strategies for the president to 'test the waters', and the president is said to have accepted all three strategies and added one of his.
The three strategies suggested by the committee are listed thus: 1. Holding rallies in some states of the Federation to receive party defectors, 2. Hold zonal rallies to motivate the members of the PDP and also to gauge their feelings and disposition towards the presidency, 3. Visitations by governors, groups and opinion leaders to the Presidential Villa to persuade the president to contest for a second term.
The fourth strategy, designed by the president's kitchen cabinet entails he worships in selected churches of different missions in a subtle attempt to win their sympathy ahead of 2015.
A source of The Nation's said “Going by the proposal of the Declaration Committee, the President may make his second term intention known during the third anniversary of his administration in May or early June.
“The committee has however set machinery in motion for Jonathan to test the waters in three ways ahead of the declaration. The strategies are defection rallies in some; proposed zonal rallies to mobilise PDP members; and visitations to the Presidential Villa.
“After the three strategies have been executed, the President will then come out to declare his intention to seek a second term mandate.
“And judging from the defection rallies, the journey to 2015 has started. Although PDP has not been campaigning, the body language of its leaders at the rally suggested that it has kicked off the race for 2015.”
The source, explaining why the president would be contesting despite his promise to Obasanjo, said “The 1999 Constitution guarantees the President’s right to contest for a second term in office. And a constitution is superior to any other promise or so-called agreement which no one has produced.
“The President will also be relying on the principle of equitable estopel to seek a second term. A promise is a shield but not a sword. What it means is that a promise is lesser in strength than a right. The President deserves the right to seek a second term; no promise can override it.”
On the issue of a running mate, the source said: “I think the President has decided to stick with Sambo as his running mate. This was why he appointed Sambo as the chairman of the Declaration Committee.
“In fact, Shema and Yuguda are members of the Declaration Committee, foreclosing the chances of the governors becoming the VP.
“The stable presidency which Jonathan has enjoyed with Sambo was a critical factor in guiding Jonathan to make up his mind.
“Instead of what obtained during Obasanjo’s presidency, Sambo has been trailing the shadows of his boss. He is not rocking the boat in any manner.
“The recent political gains in the North-West by Sambo also encouraged the President to give his deputy a second chance too.”