2015: Jonathan in fresh dilemma over running mate

A fresh plot to replace Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, to stand as President Goodluck Jonathan’s running mate for the 2015 presidential election is causing ripples within the top apparatchik of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)


Impeccable sources disclosed that the recent rapprochement between President Jonathan and the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, is causing panic in the Vice President’s camp that the President may have decided to field the governor as his running mate in next year’s elections.

The Nation reliably gathered that following the President’s visit to Jigawa State to inaugurate the new multi-billion airport in Dutse built by the Jigawa State government a few weeks ago, series of strategic meetings have been held by the President’s kitchen cabinet to weigh the pros and cons of Jonathan/Lamido pairing for the PDP presidential ticket.

During his visit to the state, the President spoke glowingly of Lamido, his achievements in office and how he contributed to his election as President in 2011.

He said, “I know the role Lamido played in my election in 2011. If a governor means well for you, he can at least support you during the primaries. Sule was totally committed to me and he is not somebody who talks with both sides of his mouth. Sule is somebody I trust. But let me tell you that I have no problem with Lamido and I will never have problems with Jigawa people. We will continue to do more to make Nigeria better and reduce poverty across board.

“I want to assure you that the relationship between the Federal Government, the Presidency and Jigawa will continue to be strong. From 2007 till now, I have seen what Lamido has done. I have to thank him immensely for the transformation of the state. I know what this state was and I have seen what he has done so far to change the tide. We must isolate talents and train them to excel. Within Lamido’s tenure, even the blind will see that he has performed.”

And apparently to put to rest reports that he has an axe to grind with the President, Lamido said he was proud of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda, while a former Minister of Power and Steel, Bashir Dalhatu also noted at the ceremony: “We have been supporting you (Jonathan) and will continue to do so. We are honest and loyal to you. There is, therefore, a divine responsibility to point out what is the truth. Lamido is not against you. He is loyal to you and we believe you will continue to work with him. As a measure of good luck, you will succeed.”

With the seeming reconciliation between the President and the governor, Presidency strategists are hoping that bringing Lamido on board the PDP presidential ticket would pacify the governor’s political mentor and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, whose relationship with Jonathan has worsened in the last one year.

A source said: “Picking Lamido would take care of two important issues; first, it is a way of making peace with Baba (Obasanjo) and second, it will erode the support base of the APC in the North West particularly in Kano, which appears to be an APC stronghold and Jigawa State.”

It was also gathered that besides using Lamido as bait to enlist Obasanjo’s support for the President’s re-election bid, a proposal is also been studied on the need to raise a high powered delegation comprising of former leaders and eminent traditional rulers to reconcile the President and Obasanjo.

While it could not yet be ascertained if the President has accepted this proposal, sources disclosed that the Lamido option is being seriously considered to boost the President’s re-election chances in the North.

A source added, “The political reality on ground is that the President must do something extraordinary to turn the current political tide in the North in his favour. Pairing Lamido on the PDP ticket could be the game changer. Yes, the incumbent vice president has been loyal to his boss and has brought stability to the government, but the truth is that he is not as politically grounded as Lamido. We are just being realistic.”

The vice president, it was gathered, is aware of the plot to oust him and is not taking chances. His camp’s main strategy is to continue harping on the continued stability of the government to make the President retain him and that replacing him with Lamido, who is also alleged to be nursing a presidential ambition, may rock the boat of the administration