Pretoria— Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, retired Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa says the ultimate decision on zoning of the Presidency lies with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but cautions that abrogation of anyone’s right to vie for the seat can cause a problem.

Marwa, who was speaking in an interview with newsmen in Pretoria yesterday, described the on-going debate over zoning of elective offices by the PDP ahead of the 2011 elections,  as “healthy”.

The High Commissioner said the debates were  in line with the absolute freedom of speech and association provided in the country’s constitution.

“The decision ultimately rests with the PDP on the zoning  issue but when one’s constitutional right to run for an office is abrogated, it is more problematic.

“It is therefore in the interest of peace and stability that even President Goodluck Jonathan’s right to contest is not abrogated.

“Let us test everybody’s popularity with the electorate,” Marwa said, explaining that the final decision on who rules the country rests with the voters.

The envoy said that Nigerians had in a survey shown that they were more concerned about a leader who could deliver the dividends of democracy than in where he comes from

“The truth is that Nigerians really do not care which zone produces the President but are more interested in the person.

“The ultimate decision of whether to contest or not resides with the President and he can decide to do so himself and also when to announce it.

“For me, he clearly has the constitutional right and the required intellectual robustness and capacity to run for an office he already occupies,” he said.

Marwa said Jonathan, having served as deputy and substantive governor, as well as Vice President before occupying the number one office, was well positioned to handle the Presidency and win the 2011 election..