”Jonathan never wanted to be Yar’Adua’s running mate” – Former PDP chairman, Ahmadu Ali

“Congratulations”, the chairman began unceremoniously. “It is a well-deserved victory, and the party will give you all the support you need to win the presidential election.” He (Ali) paused for a moment as the president and the others also gave Yar’Adua their congratulations. “Peter Odili will be your running mate. He came third in our search for a presidential candidate. Governor Ahmed Makarfi came second in our score. For equity, the running mate had to come from the south.”

“We don’t have time sir. We need to move fast. You can never tell what mischief is being planned right now. Did you see any of the governors towards the end of the election at the Square?” It was true that the governors had mysteriously disappeared when Yar’Adua’s victory became a certainty. He (Ali) turned to Yar’Adua and continued his instructions to him. “Go and write your acceptance speech. Say something like this: ‘I would like to inform you that after due consideration and consultation with the party, I have selected Peter Odili, the executive governor of Rivers State, to run with me on the same ticket’. I want a copy of the speech and make sure Peter Odili’s name is on it!”

Yar’Adua went away and came back with the speech as directed indicating that Peter Odili would be his running mate, but it was clear that he was not happy. Pressure was brought to bear on the president to intervene and allow Yar’Adua to choose a VP he felt he could work with.

“Ahmadu”, said Chief Obasanjo, “don’t be too harsh on the young man. Let’s give him twenty four hours…”
“Twenty four hours! But…” the chairman was going to argue.
“I know what you mean”, Obasanjo cut him off, “but let us give him twenty four hours.”

“It had been a long day. Tired and hungry the chairman went home dreaming of eating something, taking a long drink and flipping into bed to catch some rest. This was about 1.00PM on the day of the convention. Meanwhile, unknown to the president, PDP governors were holding a secret meeting of their own to influence the choice of VP candidate. Clearly, they were not in favour of Peter Odili which the party leadership was contemplating. Even before Ali could digest this information (provided by his wife), he got a frantic call from Obasanjo. He, too, had got some information about the governors’ plot.
“Ahmadu, come quick!”
“But you know we have just…”
“Come, please and don’t argue. Quick, quick!”
“The dream about taking some rest evaporated as Ali doubled back to meet the president at the Aso Rock Villa. He (Obasanjo) told the Senator about the governors’ meeting. We must act quickly or the governors will hijack this thing. Anenih is on his way and I have already summoned Yar’Adua. If he hasn’t thought of a running mate, then we must impose one on him. This had been the senator’s position exactly, all along.
“As soon as Yar’Adua arrived, the president told him without any preamble, “Now, name your running mate, now, now. We don’t have twenty four hours.”
“Goodluck Jonathan,” he said without hesitation. He had obviously thought about it or tutored to mention the name. Immediately, Jonathan was sent for.

“Jonathan was stunned. He was obviously not expecting this and had not remotely considered the possibility. He opened his mouth as if to say something but nothing came out.

“The president seeing his discomfiture added helpfully, “This decision was taken after a long process. We just want to know what your opinion is.”

“Finally, Jonathan found voice, although he was disconcerted by this development.

“YarAdua turned to Jonathan and asked him, “Would you like to be my running mate?”
“Yes sir.”