As part of the reconciliation moves with Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may concede the presidency to the North in 2015.
Also the PDP is jittery about likely protest votes from the North in April and it is trying to fast-track reconciliation with the NPLF leaders.
But the party may evolve a new zoning formula which could address the bickering that trailed the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan as the presidential candidate of the party for the April poll.
Jonathan had recently pledged to spend a term in office if elected as the President.
Investigation indicated yesterday that the declaration of the President has been encouraging some opinion leaders in the North to prevail on the Convener of the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF), Mallam Adamu Ciroma, to sheathe the swords against Jonathan.
It was gathered that the concession might be a major reconciliatory issue between the President and Northern leaders.
A highly-placed source told our correspondent that some PDP leaders are unhappy that some critical parts of the North, especially North-West, are still not backing the President.
He also said that the President’s campaign had recorded appreciable turn-out in the South than in the North.
The source said: "What the party is trying to do is to prevail on these NPLF leaders, who are members of the PDP, not to instigate the North against the President and even the party.
"The President had sent emissaries to these NPLF leaders to underscore his commitment to genuine reconciliation. He had made them to realise that his emergence as the leader of the nation and PDP presidential candidate was circumstantial.
"So, the President is really ready for dialogue with the NPLF leaders."
The source explained that one of the reconciliatory terms the PDP is considering is "power shift to the North in 2015" which is around the corner.
He stated: "I can tell you that to give peace a chance, the PDP may concede the presidency to the North in 2015.
"But the Ciroma group too should make themselves available for dialogue and negotiation. Although they are still aggrieved that the 2002 pact has been breached, the party will allay their fears."
Another source claimed that with the crisis of confidence rocking the party over the presidential primary election, the PDP may evolve a new zoning formula which will allow each of the six geopolitical zones one-term shot at the presidency.
He added: "There are many options being considered by the party including power shift to the North in 2015 and one-term suggestion.
"You know, the agitation by the Igbo for the presidency is still there but they might be accommodated after 2015.
"That is why a new zoning pact is desirable in the party."
Contacted last night, a member of the NPLF said in as much as the Forum is ready for dialogue, the President has not kept faith.
He said: "The President has been sending people to some NPLF members and prominent Northern leaders but the problem with him is that he does not keep secret.
"Once a process of dialogue is started, it becomes a market place issue immediately. You will always see the President’s boys broadcasting it about as if the Northern leaders are the ones begging him.
"We are bound to disagree and agree but in working for truce, you do not make it an open matter.
"So, the question of trust is not there at all. Some NPLF leaders do not really trust the President at all."
When a member of the NPLF, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, was contacted yesterday, he simply said: "It is the President that you should contact to know whether he is really engaging in reconciliation process or not. His camp will be in the best position to give you the true picture."
Another NPLF leader, who spoke in confidence, said: "Do you think the PDP will cede the presidency to the North in 2015? I am aware that a major issue which made the Igbo to back Jonathan is that he promised them the presidency in 2015. He made the promise in confidence
"So, you should ask what Jonathan is really bringing to the table for reconciliation with the North."
M. Lawal Ishaq Esq.,
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