2015: North’s battle against Jonathan takes new turn

By: Yusuf Alli
Prominent Northern politicians are the brains behind the newly registered Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in what is the clearest indication yet from the North about its intention to give President Goodluck Jonathan a run for his money in the 2015 presidential race.
The PDM was registered yesterday alongside Independent Democrats (ID) by the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC), 24 hours after news broke of the filing of an application for registration by the group founded by the late General Shehu Yar’Adua.
Top on the list of the major promoters of the newly registered PDM is Alhaji Bashir Yusuf Ibrahima who is also a member of the Northern Political Leaders’ Forum(NPLF) led by ex-Minister Adamu Ciroma.
He is the protem National Chairman of the party.
Some former ministers in the cabinet of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and serving senators and members of the House of Representatives are also said to be bankrolling the PDM.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who was initially mentioned as one of the promoters of the party said on Thursday he remained in the PDP, but said he could not stand in the way of any of his supporters who might want to join the PDM.
Its registration has the potential to be a major political changer as many aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the North are likely to defect to the new party.
Confirming the registration of the PDM and ID yesterday, INEC Secretary, Mrs. A.C. Ogakwu, said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered two new political parties in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) and the Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended).
“The newly registered parties are the Independent Democrats (ID) and the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM).
“The constitution, manifesto, logo/flag and list of national executive ffficers of each party have also been approved by the commission.”
The commission last night posted on its website the names of officials of the new parties as follows:
PDM- National Chairman, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim; National Secretary, Dr. Joseph O. Akinwumi; National Treasurer, Gagogo Emmanuel; National Financial Secretary, Aku Cecilia Betzom; and National Legal Adviser, Barr. Kabiru Umaru Dodo.
ID:National Chairman, Edozie Madu; National Secretary, Tobi Adeniyi; National Treasurer, Ahanmisi Izegwuma Abigail; National Financial Secretary, Whetode Desire; and National Legal Adviser, Charles Ibeh.
NPLF’s scribe to lead new party
Alhaji Bashir Yusuf was Secretary of the NPLF under the Ciroma leadership.
He was also a one-time Political Adviser to ex-VP Atiku and served as his agent during the PDP presidential primary in January 2011.
It was also learnt that ex-Minister of Education, Prof. Babalola Borishade, might head the think-tank team of the PDM.
A source close to the group said: “The PDM is a platform for freedom from the stranglehold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We are providing Nigerians an alternative platform to make their choice. If President Goodluck Jonathan wants to keep the PDP to himself, let him do so now that there is an alternative.
“This is why ex-ministers, key Northern leaders, senators and members of the House of Representatives are queuing behind this new party.
“The real battle for 2015 poll has started; the PDM will work with like minds to give Nigerians an alternative in 2015.”
Responding to a question, the source said: “When we get to the appropriate stage, we may work with parties of like minds, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), to effect a change in 2015.
“We will ensure that all Nigerians are carried along irrespective of tribe or religion.”
On the speculations that Borishade is actively involved in driving the strategy of the new party, the source added: “Borishade had always been the strategist to the PDM before ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo snatched him from Atiku.
“It was Atiku that lost Borishade to Obasanjo. Now the PDM has regained Borishade.”
Alhaji Yusuf, who spoke briefly with our correspondent last night, said: “The registration is a good development. Politics in Nigeria will never be the same again.
“The PDM is the real alternative Nigerians are waiting for because I have no doubt in my mind that it will challenge the present decadent order and try to fix Nigeria for all of us, not for sections, religions or tribes, but for all of us.”