ormer military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, is in advanced talks with Peter Odili, former governor of Rivers State, as he closes in on a running mate for the 2011 presidential elections.
A source within Mr. Babangida's camp said that the choice of Mr. Odili was strongly influenced by Raymond Dokpesi, chairman of DAAR Communications, and director general of Mr. Babangida's presidential campaign. The two men have a history of mutually beneficial dealings. Mr. Dokpesi was the director general of Mr. Odili's campaign when he ran for president in 2007. At the time, Mr. Odili was alleged to have invested N400 million of funds taken from the Rivers State treasury, into Mr. Dokpesi's company.
The EFCC, under Farida Waziri, quizzed Mr. Dokpesi over the money, but no charges were ever filed. According to the source, "Odilli will be groomed as the person that will succeed General Babangida, come 2015."
A Controversial Choice
Mr. Babangida, who is at the centre of several allegations, will be picking an equally controversial character if he settles on Mr. Odili as a running mate. Mr. Odili was elected governor of Rivers State in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003. His tenure was marred by human rights violations, insecurity, and widespread accusations of fraud.
During his governorship, Rivers State was, in theory, one of the wealthiest states in the country owing to its enormous oil revenue, but Mr. Odili instituted relatively few improvements. Instead, the former governor is on record for acquiring a South Africa-based hospital, and two Brazilian jets.
In November 2006, Peter Odili announced that he would run for president in the 2007 election under the ruling PDP. However, a day before the PDP's presidential primaries, Mr. Odili stepped down from the contest, paving the way for fellow governor, Umaru Yar'Adua, to emerge as the party's flag bearer.
Reports say Mr. Odili was forced out of that contest when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) led by Nuhu Ribadu, released a report implicating him in fraud, mismanagement of state funds, money laundering, and abuse of office.
In February that year, Mr. Odili filed a suit challenging the powers of the EFCC to probe his administration. The court granted him an indefinite injunction stopping any investigations into his finances, describing it as a breach of his civil rights.
The Declaration
It was expected that Mr. Odili would be unveiled at a rally for the official declaration of Mr. Babangida's intention on Wednesday in Abuja.
However, a text sent out by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP. Rufa'i Ahmed Alkali. inviting all party executives to an emergency meeting on that same day , is raising eyebrows.
The coincidence in the timing is leading to speculation that this may be an attempt to steal the thunder from Mr. Babangida's declaration. As of the time of going to press , we were unable to contact Mr. Babangida to find out if he intends to change his plans. . Text messages to Mr. Alkali seeking clarity on the matter, remained unanswered
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