IBB, others reject Obasanjo’s plea to back Jonathan

Former President Ibrahim Babangida and some key leaders of the North have sworn not to back President Goodluck Jonathan, despite former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s intervention.

Some of the leaders are said to have been put under surveillance to determine their next line of action.

But the leaders may take final decision on who to back during the April 9 presidential poll on or before Thursday.

According to sources, Babangida and other leaders, such as Mallam Adamu Ciroma, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Gen. Aliyu Gusau, insisted on zoning during their talks with Obasanjo in Abuja before a meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the nation’s capital.

A source, who pleaded not to be named, said: “We have listened to what Obasanjo said at the grand finale rally of the PDP in Abuja on Saturday. But the ex-President was not really forthcoming on what transpired with our leaders.

“The truth is that Obasanjo held an informal meeting with these leaders. Babangida told Obasanjo that neither himself nor any of the leaders can renege on their agitation for zoning because it is a fundamental principle for the nation’s survival.

“Babangida said even if Jonathan wins, posterity will judge the Northern leaders as having spoken for justice and at the right time.

“He asked Obasanjo to beware because Nigeria cannot afford two civil wars within a spate of 50 years hence Obasanjo should ensure that the principle of zoning is not jettisoned in our national life.

“All other leaders toed Babangida’s line on commitment to zoning by President Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party. But unfortunately, Obasanjo and others decided to play politics with the issue.

“Nigerians should prevail on Obasanjo to tell the world what transpired between him and Northern leaders.

“Obasanjo came on a rescue mission to Northern leaders and they said no, to him.”

Asked of the next step by the leaders, the source said: “I can assure you that underground work is going on and before Thursday, the North would have charted a path to follow.

“The calculation of the Northern leaders is to work ahead for a run-off when the reality of negotiation on zoning will come to bear.

“They are determined to stop Jonathan from winning at the first ballot. So, there will be a defined direction in the next few days.”

The source also confirmed that some Northern leaders, such as Ciroma, Babangida, Atiku and Gusau, have been placed under surveillance by security agencies to pre-empt their next move.

He added: “The government has forgotten that any decision by Northern leaders will be broad-based, with a touch of mass appeal.

“The North will not engage in violence, but it will use its voting strength to win the ballot.

“We even heard that INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega is under surveillance. No Northern leader has met with Jega, but as long as every vote counts, the North will make its feelings known.”