2015: “Kwankwaso cannot cajole Jonathan to declare his presidential ambition” – Gulak

The presidency has described as misplaced and baseless, recent claim by Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State that Jonathan, having served first as acting President and now spending a fresh four-year term, ought not to seek re-election in 2015.

Kwankwaso was recently quoted as saying that the President was finding it difficult to publicly declare his interest in the 2015 race because “the temperature is very hot for them now.”

But reacting to the governor’s statement, Gulak said that the likes of Kwankwaso would not force Jonathan into making his position known on the next election.

He said , Goodluck Jonathan would declare for his second term bid when he’s ready, asserting that he doesn’t need to consult anybody before doing so.

According to Gulak, there was nothing special in declaring his interest, as the President could do so publicly or delegate his aides to do so on his behalf.

Gulak told Punch that, “Kwankwaso cannot cajole Mr. President to declare now. He said he will declare in 2014 and we are just in February of 2014. He is not finding it difficult. What is in telling Nigerians that he wants to re-contest? He can do so by himself or through his aides when the time comes. He does not even need to do it in a rally. What is difficult about that?”

The presidential aide added that, “Kwankwaso does not understand constitutional provisions. He ought to know that the death of former President ,Yar’Adua made President Goodluck Jonathan to become the President according to constitutional provision.

“But the election of 2011 wherein, Mr. President contested and won was his first term. The second term will start from 2015 to 2019 if he so desires.

“This issue was tested in the Federal High Court last year and the court gave judgment to the effect that President Jonathan is entitled to contest election in 2015,” he stressed.