The legislators said it was not possible to amend the constitution again. But they created a window for President Jonathan. They let it be known that the newly appointed national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, would have to go public to make a request for the amendment of the Electoral Act, for the process to begin. Specifically, they said there were some aspects of the Electoral Act that also needed to be amended.

Eight hundred and forty six groups and still counting! That is the number, at least, according to Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu, of the groups promoting the aspiration of President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of next year’s election.

So, if they are really sincere with their zoning, they would even advice Jonathan to come, if they are sincere with the zoning because Jonathan government is the continuation of Yar’Adua’s government. So, if they are really sincere with their zoning, I will continue to tell my people not to bother themselves with the zoning.

In their prime, they toiled and gave their best towards the development of their fatherland. Some spent over three decades working loyally for the system which they had implicit faith in. Years after retirement when they should be rewarded for good work, they are receiving pain and anguish.

Having allowed speculations about his aspiration for the presidency next year, President Goodluck Jonathan may have unwittingly set in motion a possible chain of events that is bound to change the face of politics in Nigeria. But will the North, which sees its opportunity of producing the president for another four years being tampered with by Jonathan’s aspiration, allow matters to lay low? This report looks at the implications of PDP leaders’ sudden repudiation of zoning, a move that may have more debilitating consequences for the south and other minorities in Nigeria.