Former Military President Ibrahim B. Babangida  is to formally declare his intention to contest the 2011 presidential election either on the 14^th or 15^th of September.IBB as he is fondly called had been rumoured in the past to be aiming to return to power only for him to either chicken out or withdraw as he did in 2007 for Umaru YarAdua who is unfortunately late now.YarAdua’s death created the room for  the floodgate of northern aspirants who want to run in 2011.

IBB’s decision to formally announce his intention if true will come  as welcome relief to some of his friends who had hitherto been uncertain of the exact direction of their ‘boss’.

It would appear that IBB and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are going to unveil a new kind of political partnership  in the days and weeks ahead.In fact IBB’s plan to announce his intention comes a day after Atiku revealed in a landmark statement that he has been working together with IBB for the unity of Nigeria.Whether this is an indication that Atiku will step down for IBB remains unclear.But it is an open secret that the PDP has been erecting obstacles on Atiku’s path.Whether Atiku will tackle the PDP with his characteristic doggedness or simply  form a strategic alliance with IBB to rout Jonathan in the coming election remains unclear.Or will IBB step down for Atiku? No hints in this direction have been confirmed .What is known is that the two aspirants are working together, perhaps to ensure the battle for zoning is brought to a successful end.

Perhaps as a measure of his growing confidence ,IBB  has also announced his presidential campaign team today.The Team is led by Raymond Dokpesi chairman of Daar Communications group.He is now director general of IBB’s Campaign.The team also includes Prof ABC Nwosu as director of research while Prof Sam Oyovbaire is in charge of policy.Remi Adikwu is also in the team which has Kassim Afegbua in charge of publicity among others.