The sources who spoke on condition of anonymity told our correspondent that some highly connected religious and traditional leaders have informed their followers against associating themselves with the second term aspiration of President Tinubu.
Should Jonathan who governed Nigerian between May 5, 2010 to May 29, 2015, bows to pressure, he is likely to run on a joint ticket with the former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who commands a huge voting base in Kano State.
A Governor of one of the Northern states told our correspondent in confidence that the plot is real, stressing that “Many Northern Governors are ready to work with Jonathan if he accepts this offer.”
According to him, Tinubu’s popularity in the North has taken a hit in recent months owing to reasons not unconnected with the economic hardship in the land, caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
He continued: “President Tinubu is no longer marketable in the North and he won’t be elected. As it stands today, he cannot get 20 per cent votes in the North in 2027. All the Islamic clerics and Ulamas in the North have advised all their followers against any form of support for President Tinubu. ”
Asked why the North wants Jonathan back in the saddle given that they voted against him in 2015, the Governor said, “The former President would serve a single term, completing a Southern term started by Tinubu in 2023. Take it from me, the North will not allow a Tinubu in 2027.
“Again, Jonathan still enjoy a considerable amount of support in the North. He lost in 2015 because of General Muhammadu Buhari’s huge followership coupled with his alliance with the South West geo-political zone,” he added.
Meanwhile, an associate of Dr. Jonathan conversant with the preliminary talks said the former President is a bit skeptical of the plot at the moment given what he called, the betrayal he suffered in the past.
He however added that Jonathan would only take a decision on the matter if a formal approach is tabled before him.
It is not clear yet if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the largest opposition party in the country will be Jonathan’s chosen platform should he decide to take another shot at the Presidency but the Northern Governor said what is important is Jonathan’s nod of approval.
His words: “The most important thing is for him to agree to run. Party platform is not the issue for now because even if the former President declares on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PDP), we will move with him,” he stated.
Key Northern figures including some federal legislators have in the recent past, took turns to berate Tinubu for what they see as the lopsided nature of the appointments he has made so far, including taking away juicy ministries from the North.
It thus appear that 2027 is the perfect opportunity for the zone to make its voice heard, loud and clear.