The leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led by Chief Tony Anenih on Wednesday, had a closed-door meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, about concerns with regards to the party’s plan for the 2015 election.
The party’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Tony Anenih in the company of some other members of the board, met with the speaker, in the company of former governors, Jim Nwobodo and Abdullahi Adamu; for minister, Jerry Gana, and former party chairman, Barnabas Gemade.
Mr. Anenih tried to explain the essence of the meeting by saying that the meeting was to discuss the insecurity in the country, relationship between the executive and the legislature, relationship with the party and other arms of government.
“I have said it that, people asking for Sovereign National Conference that, there is nothing national as National Assembly,” he said.
In an obvious attempt to downplay the seriousness of the meeting Mr. Tambuwal assured the BOT team of his preparedness to ensure the House leadership continues to check the executive arm of government in line with the provision of 1999 constitution by made no mention of the content of the meeting held.
He further said “We have been working closely with the party and the executive arm of government to do exactly what we have campaigned for on the platform of our party,” the speaker said.
“We’ll continue to give Nigeria the best as an arm of government and as representatives of the people.”
But information from close sources says that the meeting so scheduled to diss much more than both parties were willing to disclose.
Some sources claimed the concern was the potential of Mr. Tambuwal exiting the party for the newly-formed All Progressives Congress. The Speaker recently held a secret meeting with two major leaders of the APC, Mohammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu; with reports suggesting the speaker was asked to join the new party and fly its presidential flag come 2015.
Mr. Tambuwal has not stated his decision, although lawmakers close to the speaker suggest that should he run for the presidency, he would align with the APC. An associate of the speaker said the latter was
cautious despite calls to take to the ring.
Should Mr. Tambuwal decide to run on the platform of his party, the PDP, he would have to challenge President Goodluck Jonathan for the party’s ticket.
Mr. Jonathan has insisted he is yet to declare interest for the poll, but the past week has seen the president’s aides and associates heighten declarations about his candidacy.
Meanwhile, separate meetings of lawmakers on the PDP platform, as well as the minority members of the House, were expected Wednesday night, the Speaker said.