By Clifford Ndujihe, Dep Political Editor
LAGOS—THE division among governors over the choice of their new leader took a new twist, yesterday, with some of the governors opposing Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State and  rooting for Gombe State Governor, Danjuma Goje.

And the development has split the once formidable rank of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governors. The governors will meet to take a decision on the issue tomorrow.

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and his Kano State counterpart, Ibrahim Shekarau had, weekend, opposed the nomination of Daniel for the post.

Current Chairman of the forum, Dr. Bukola Saraki said Daniel’s nomination did not follow laid_down procedure and assured that the matter would be ironed out tomorrow.

Governors, who spoke to Vanguard on the issue were divided.

Anger over hndling of nomination

Gbenga Daniel

One of them said that they were not happy with the manner Daniel’s nomination was handled. He said: “Only 10 governors out of 36 sat down to nominate Daniel. That is not fair. The Wednesday session will be very stormy.

The candidature of Goje is on the cards. When we get there, the way it is handled will determine what happens.”

However, another governor said that majority of the 36 governors were still for Daniel. He said: “As it is, Daniel has the majority of governor’s backing. He is the defacto chairman of the Governors Forum.”

The governor added that Saraki was seeking a higher office and could not continue to hold on to the office, stressing: “We need somebody with experience, track record and integrity. Somebody, who can salvage the governors as our chairman because we play crucial roles in the affairs of the nation. When things are going wrong in the nation, the governors usually intervene.”

Citing a number of reasons, those opposed to Daniel as their new chairman said: “They don’t want the NGF to be tainted with controversies and as much as possible will like to retain their independence.”

Among others, the sins listed against Daniel include alleged lack of respect for the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers; closure of Ogun State House of Assembly without just cause; recent resolution of the House of Representatives which called for a state of emergency in Ogun State; and disregard for internal democracy within Ogun Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Others include alleged intimidation of the opposition; disrespect for immediate past President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; recent brawl with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole, during the commissioning of Ota Fly_over; and his position as a campaign coordinator of the Goodluck Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organization.