PROMINENT political leaders including former President Ibrahim Babangida, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President Iyorcha Ayu, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Mallam Adamu Ciroma and Alhaji Bello Kirfi as members of the Northern Political Leaders Forum, yesterday, marshaled arguments in favour of retention of zoning and warned that its abandonment could have significant consequences for the stability of the polity.
While arguing that its mission was not to stop President Jonathan Goodluck from contesting the 2011 elections as was being portrayed, the Forum said it was out to safeguard “the system of equity and fairness which would give all Nigerians a sense of belonging.
On the argument that zoning is not provided for in the 1999 Constitution, the Forum argues that there is no section of our Constitution that outlaws zoning and rotation.
No Zoning In Nigeria’s Constitution, Says Atiku
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has faulted the call on the Peoples Democratic Party to zone its presidential ticket to a particular region of the country, adding that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not recognise it.
This is as he expressed optimism that the PDP would adopt the indirect primary, which he said was not only the most efficient and least expensive but also allowed the politically enlightened members of the party to make important decisions for the party.
