The Presidency on Sunday said President Muhammadu Buhari has not taken any concrete decision on seeking second term in office.
This was revealed by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina.
In his words: “Nobody knows whether or not the President will seek reelection. About four groups have come to the President, asking if he will go for second term. The last of such groups was Good Governance Support Group, but the President has not said anything.”
However, Newsclickng recalls that the President had earlier told the Nigerian community in Cote d’Ivoire during his visit to that country in November last year that he might need their votes in future.
A source said at the weekend: ”Many governors, ministers and groups have been coming to the Presidential Villa to feel Buhari’s pulse on the 2019 poll and to urge him to seek a second term ticket or ask for direction on the next poll.
“Buhari has however kept everyone in suspense. He is yet to make a commitment.”
But it was learnt that some former presidents and top Northern leaders will soon advise President Muhammadu Buhari on his political future.
“The advice might come in form of a private meeting or through a letter to the President.
These leaders (names withheld) have had up to three consultative sessions in the past few months to fine tune “their position on the way forward for Nigeria from 2019”.
They, however, maintained that their position on the second term option will be “strongly advisory and not binding on Buhari in the light of the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution on two terms of eight years.
A source privy to consultations among the ex-leaders and others said: “From the look of things, some former President and Northern leaders will soon make their advisory on 2019 poll available to Buhari. This will be a major package which will help define the next general elections.
“Some of these leaders provided advisory and support which guided the emergence of Buhari in 2015. They have been consulting on the next poll and what in their view is best for Nigeria.
“The advisory is not binding on Buhari, but they may be weighty enough to serve as guidance. They believe Buhari has the constitutional right to vie for second term in office,” the source added.
