The Nigeria Governors' Forum is now in crisis mode following an attempt by President Goodluck Jonathan to install controversial Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State as chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum.
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On Friday some governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had met in Abuja to announce the removal of Bukola Saraki, as chairman and also claimed that Governor Gbenga Daniel was "elected" new chair of the body.
Saraki is seeking the presidential ticket of the PDP.
But in a statement yesterday, Director General of the NGF, Asishana Okauru, said the forum was a non-partisan platform and that PDP governors alone could not effect a change of leadership.
Asishana's statement read, "The attention of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) Secretariat has been drawn to the news report (NTA 9pm network news on Saturday, October 30,2010) announcing the election of a new Chairman for the PDP Governors' Forum.
"This has created some confusion in the public on the distinction between the PDP Governors' Forum and the Nigeria Governors' Forum.
"We wish to inform the public that the NGF is a non-partisan Forum for ALL elected governors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria regardless of party affiliation.
"A meeting of the NGF has been scheduled to cover amongst other things brief by the outgoing Chairman, HE. Dr. Bukola Saraki, and election of a new leadership.
"The outcome of the election will be duly communicated to the public once concluded."
But Saharareporters learnt that the governors, led by Gabriel Suswan of Benue, indeed met in what appears a palace coup to oust Saraki as chairman of the NGF and the PDP Governors' Forum.
The meeting was held without the knowledge of the NGF secretariat, a source said yesterday.
Daniel is Southwest coordinator of the Goodluck Campaign Organization and sources said that the desperate bid to install him as NGF chair was to enable the Jonathan camp to hijack the platform and use it for its political agenda.
Governors opposed to Jonathan's reelection bid might have regrouped and launched a fierce but discreet campaign to shoot down Daniel's purported election.
Governors elected on the platform other political parties are also said to have also complained about the development.
"They have vowed to resist a situation where PDP governors would meet to elect a chairman for an association that have governors of other parties as members," a source familiar with the matter said.
In a separate statement yesterday, Saraki said he had "received complaints from several State Governors who have denied any knowledge of, or involvement in the process that led to the Governor Daniel's reported appointment.
"They argued that the meeting where the action was taken was not convened in accordance with the laid down procedures that have been followed over the years. They therefore see this development as inimical to the internal democratic process, the culture of inclusiveness and consensus on which the NGF was built, and on which it has operated."
"Dr. Saraki wishes to note that due process and strict adherence to laid down procedures are paramount in any democratic institution. He assures all members of the NGF and the Nigerian public that these principles will be followed in this case.
"Therefore, in keeping with the desire of majority of NGF members, he calls on the general public to disregard the said newspaper reports; saying that a meeting has been called for where a decision will be taken on the issue of leadership of the NGF in keeping with the laid down procedures of the Forum.
"Dr. Saraki wishes to note further that the strength of the NGF, which has played key roles in resolving some important political challenges in our country in recent years despite its varied membership, depends on the sense of belonging and inclusiveness that it is able to give to all its members.
"And for the NGF to continue to play this critical role in the politics and governance of this country in the future, its leadership must be positioned to readily inspire the confidence of all its members and be seen to be guided by laid down standards of democratic practice. "
The Governors Forum has become a controversial center of power in Nigeria. In the run-up to the 2007 election, James Ibori led his colleague to oust Victor Attah who was then running for president.
On Obasanjo's prodding, Lucky Igbinedion, who replaced Attah, simply issued a statement saying the then president's favorite candidate, Musa Yar'Adua, had been unanimously adopted as NGF candidate, forcing Attah and other presidential aspirants to step down.
Source: SaharaReporters.