Jonathan's 2011 Bid: Zoning Can't Be Superior To Constitution – Kano PDP Boss

KANO, August 18, (THEWILL) - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Kano State, Barrister Farouk Iya says going by the provision of the country’s constitution, President Goodluck Jonathan is free to contest the 2011 election.

He said "As a lawyer, I don’t see how the President will be prevented from contesting the presidential election, the constitution made it very clear and zoning arrangement cannot be superior to constitutional provisions."

Barrister Iya told THEWILL in Kano on Tuesday that there is nothing wrong if the gentleman agreement on zoning the presidency between the north and south is respected. However, he said that "anybody who emerges as the PDP flag bearer will definitely emerge victorious."

He said to his knowledge, he was not aware of any rancour in Kano PDP, noting: "we are all united as one family", assuring that the party will wrestle power from the ruling ANPP in the state.

He further stated that he would ensure all members of the party are actively involved in the struggle to takeover power in Kano State.

The Chairman who regretted what happened in 2003 when the PDP lost to the ANPP, adding that scenario would not happen again because the party is now intact at all levels.

He reaffirmed that the party leadership in Kano believes in democracy and the principles of fairness and justice to all its supporters.

He noted; "I want the party to develop and takeover the power in the state, the party is intact and all its members are ready to ensure the victory of PDP so as to correct the mistakes made by the ANPP government in the state’.

Barrister Iya added that the leadership of the party in the state has respect for all its leaders, adding, "we have never rejected or disrespected the Minister representing our state, and it is true he is our party’s leader. The fact of the matter is that nobody can do without Kwankwaso in Kano PDP, and our serving Minister, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman is also a party leader and we have been dealing with him at all times."