20100602
Reuters

Rival factions of Nigeria's ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) voiced optimism on Wednesday that their divisions could be overcome ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections due by next April.

The PDP ousted 19 senior members two months ago after they launched an open rebellion calling for reforms in the party, which controls both houses of parliament and over three quarters of Nigeria's 36 states.

The PDP dominates politics in Africa's most populous nation, winning every presidential race since the return to democracy a decade ago, but the rift has threatened to break it apart as it seeks to agree on a candidate for the next election.

Aminu Bello Masari, co-chairman of the suspended PDP Reform Group, said both sides had met the country's new Vice President, Namadi Sambo, who was sworn in two weeks ago.

"I do not think the party's problems are insurmountable ... Both sides are taking steps to resolve the issue after meeting with the vice president," Masari told Reuters.

He said the first thing that had been agreed was that the suspension of the reform group would be lifted. In return, the group would drop a court order which it had sought to try to prevent the PDP leadership from meeting.

The divisions in the party are in part over the power of state governors, who form a strong caucus which has in the past handpicked presidential nominees. The reformists say they want a more democratic system within the party.

The field of potential presidential contenders is wide open ahead of the next elections, which are shaping up to be the most fiercely contested since the end of military rule in 1999.

TIGHT RACE

President Goodluck Jonathan has made the organisation of free and fair elections next year his top priority and any problems within his PDP could undermine his efforts.

"We will overcome this. The party is very strong," PDP spokesman Rufai Ahmed Alkali said.

An unwritten agreement about sharing power between the country's geographical zones every two terms means the next president should be a northerner. Late President Umaru Yar'Adua, who died last month, was a northerner in his first term.

But Jonathan, a southerner, has not ruled himself out of the race. His current National Security Adviser Aliyu Gusau, a northerner favoured by some powerful retired military generals, is also expected to contend.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who ran unsuccessfully for president as the opposition Action Congress candidate in 2007, has said he may seek to run again but this time on the PDP ticket. Former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida has also said he wants the PDP's nomination.

The two sides are expected to begin talks on resolving their differences, including the election of party delegates.

The reform group wants 80 percent of PDP delegates responsible for selecting presidential nominees to be elected by members. Masari said the majority of delegates were currently chosen on the basis of their positions and seniority, allowing only a small elite group to dominate the party.