JONATHAN FOR 2023 PRESIDENCY: N-Delta leaders divided over North’s ‘overture’

 Following reports that there is a plan by northern power brokers to draft former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2023 presidential race, Niger Delta leaders are divided over the matter.

Many described the development as a plot by the North to remain in power by proxy after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Others considered it a healthy move, but outlined conditions to be met before the former leader accepts the offer.

Though some cautioned Jonathan not to accept any overture, others said it was needed to unify Nigerians owing to what was described as Buhari’s divisive leadership.

Vanguard had earlier reported that there were plans by the North to draft the former President into the 2023 race to have a government of national unity after Buhari’s tenure.

An influential former northern governor was reported as leading the project, said to be currently being marketed to northern elites.

On the heels of Vanguard’s report was a similar one by another medium, which said Buhari’s supporters had bought into the plan.

Northern interest

According to the report, a Jonathan presidency would satisfy growing calls for power shift to the South. Besides, it was said that the North considered him a gentleman who wouldn’t move against northern interest.

Sunday Vanguard could not confirm from the former President, who handed over to Buhari in 2015, after serving one term, if overtures had been made to him, but he had earlier denied being under pressure to run.

After ruling for six years, two of which were the remnant of the late President Umar Yar’Adua’s tenure, Jonathan is still entitled to one term.

However, the former President’s kinsmen were divided by the development, with some giving conditions that could make such possible. Others felt it was a needless project.