Jonathan faces potential storm over new Muslim leader
Political background -
The PDP's fortunes in northern Nigeria had taken a nosedive even before last weekend's events.
Jonathan and his party saw a wave of defections of influential state governors to the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) late last year.
Most of them were from the north and Kwankwaso was among them.
Political background -
The PDP's fortunes in northern Nigeria had taken a nosedive even before last weekend's events.
Jonathan and his party saw a wave of defections of influential state governors to the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) late last year.
Most of them were from the north and Kwankwaso was among them.
That, and the switch in sides of a number of PDP lawmakers, eroded Jonathan's power base and parliamentary majority, strengthening the APC's hand as it looks set to win the presidency for the first time.
Local government elections in Kano recently saw the APC secure a landslide victory, while Kwankwaso -- tipped as a potential presidential candidate -- enjoys popular support.
High-profile Sanusi, who is credited with turning round the fortunes of Nigeria's banking sector, was suspended from his post in February after alleging corruption at the heart of government.
The government's claim of misconduct and financial recklessness against Sanusi was seen as politically motivated.
Jonathan was quick to express his condolences to the late emir on Friday. But he has yet to formally congratulate Sanusi.
His party even issued a premature statement of congratulations to the late emir's son on Sunday before hastily withdrawing it. The PDP was alleged to have backed his candidacy and the APC, Sanusi's.
