Nigeria Content Online

The Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, will,
today in Abuja, formally declare his intention to contest next year’s
presidential election under the banner of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Mr.
Shekarau, whose tenure as governor expires in May next year, is the only
aspirant so far on the platform of the opposition party. The governor was
elected in 2003.

The party national caucus, had during its meeting
last week, resolved to pick its presidential candidate from the north and the
chairman from the south east geo-political zones and the secretary from the
north east.

The other party posts are also zoned to other
geo-political zones. The ANPP has twice shifted the national convention where
the party officials are expected to emerge.

The zoning formula is generating crisis in the party with many kicking
against it. Sule Yau Sule, the special adviser to Mr. Shekarau did not respond
to text message sent to his mobile phone.

However, an information officer in the governor’s office, Aminu Yasser told
NEXT during that preparation was already on top gear. Mr Yasser refused to
speak on the chances of boss in the presidential race neither did he say the
manner of campaign he would organize.

Although no other member of the party has shown interest in contesting the
presidential election on its platform, sources within the party say more
aspirants will emerge after the convention.

In 2003 and 2007, the ANPP presented Muhammed Buhari as its presidential
candidate.

Mr. Buhari has since floated a new
party, Congress for Progressive Change, and hopes to realize his presidential
ambition on its platform.