20100816
reuters

ABUJA (Reuters) - Former Nigerian vice president Atiku Abubakar on Sunday formally declared his intention to run in elections due next January, posing a challenge to President Goodluck Jonathan for the ruling party ticket.

Abubakar, a Muslim from the northern Hausa ethnic group, ran unsuccessfully for president as the opposition Action Congress candidate in 2007, polls which were won by fellow northerner, late President Umaru Yar'Adua.

An unwritten agreement in the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) states that power should rotate between the Muslim north and Christian south every two terms, meaning the next president should be a northerner if the principle is maintained.

Jonathan, a Christian from the southern Niger Delta, has not yet said whether or not he plans to stand, but a bid would be controversial and he would need the support of northerners within the PDP to be guaranteed victory in the polls.

Abubakar's declaration does not help his chances and increases the risk of division within the ruling party.

"This is not the time for a novice. This is not the time for ill-prepared leaders. This is not the time for risky experiments," Abubakar said as he announced his bid, an apparent reference to concerns about ending the PDP "zoning agreement".

"It is time for an experienced, committed and visionary leader to rescue our country from imminent collapse. I am that leader," he said.

Former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, known by his initials IBB, has also said he will seek the PDP's nomination for the elections, raising the prospect of a fierce contest at the primaries.