Nigeria’s former military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, did not make commitment on the 2015 presidential poll to President Goodluck Jonathan at the recent meeting in Minna.

It would be recalled that following the closed-door December 27 meeting it was reported that Babangida urged Nigerians to support Jonathan in the next-year’s elections.

According to The Nation, however, contrary to the widespread insinuations, the former President only touched upon the national issues and problems.

It was additionally learnt that Jonathan allegedly started reaching out to key emirs and leaders of the North is search for support, which is part of the President’s plan to reduce the influence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the region.

Gen. Babangida’s key aides based in Abuja disclosed the details of the Saturday’s meeting in Minna.

After the former ruler was blasted for backing Jonathan, the source, who pleaded for anonymity, debunked the reports making rounds:

“It is true that the President visited Gen. Babangida at his Minna Hilltop mansion but the nature of his message was based purely on unity of the country and not about 2015 presidential election.

“As a former president who fought for the unity of the country, he was of the view that the president needs support as President and not as presidential candidate per se.

“It is his view that the country needs to be united as one before we can begin to talk about election. Only a united Nigeria can guarantee credible election.”

The source stressed the importance of not misinterpreting Babangida’s words:

“What Gen. IBB said should be viewed within the context of the larger Nigeria interest and not that of any parochial interest that is likely to unsettle the system.


“Those of them who fought in the civil war to keep the country one understand the dynamics and challenges facing us now in the face of grave insecurity and poor economic realities.”

The aide also urged critics to take it easy on Babangida, who is anyway the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) card holder, “even as a nominal member”.

“As a leader and former president who was privileged to preside over the affairs of the country and who also fought in the civil war, he will continue to speak the language of unification than that of division.”

According to the source, Gen. Babangida maintained that Jonathan, as a country leader, deserved the support of all to keep the country united.

Regarding the main political battle between Jonathan and the APC candidate Muhammadu Buhari, the aide said:

“The President, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, PDP governors, and leaders will be embarking on shuttles to some of these key Northern leaders for support.


“They are desperate to take the battle to Buhari’s stronghold but no one can say whether the President and the PDP can go far or not.”

Speaking about the intense pre-polls months, another source also added:

“Jonathan’s game plan is to split the North. This explains why Northern leaders were concerned about the President’s renewed interest in the North after he failed the region in many promises he made in 2011.”

It would be recalled that yesterday President Jonathan addressed Nigerians asking them to endure the hardships connected with the drop on global oil price and to pray for the politicians’ wisdom ahead of the upcoming elections.

Whether he backs him or not, I'm gonna cast my vote in favour of Buhari next year. Simple as that.

When Jonathan was a deputy governor, calamity befall Alamesiagha, when he was vice president, calamity befall Yar'adua, and now he is the president of nigeria, a lot of calamity are befallen nigeria.
100,000 of nigerians are now refugees in their own country, over 13,000 have died in the hands of boko haram, fuel from 65 to 97, import duty is now times two, NEPA tariff going high, dana air crash, Agagu plane crash, Yakowa and Azazi crash, Dambaba Suntai crash, two military helicopter crash, super eagle defending champion zero, corruption, impunity, political thugs in d highest level.
To mention but few. Jonathan is a calamity which any nation should pray against.... Beware!!!

The lies are just becoming too much.

who cares! let him go and back Jona they would fail 2geda.

omenka:
Whether he backs him or not, I'm gonna cast my vote in favour of Buhari next year. Simple as that.

I smell an abo.ki man

Japhet04:
I smell an abo.ki man

I think what you smell is the stench coming our your brown eye as you open it to speak.

omenka:
I think what you smell is the stench coming our your brown eye as you open it to speak.

uhm I didn't speak,I wrote...

Bunch of liars Babangida no get mouth again? Are they now saying he was drunk when he addressed the press? IBB will never back Buhari as the later still bears some grudges over the 1985 palace coup