According to the Nigerian Tribune...

Nigeria's ruling political party - the Peoples Democratic Party - is set to form a committee that will amend its constitution to create the position of president for life for the current President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Sources said the decision was reached during an all-night meeting involving President Olusegun Obasanjo, 18 People's Democratic Party (PDP) state governors, and some deputy governors held at his villa.

It was said that the secretary to the government of the federation, Uffort Ekaette, PDP national chairman, Dr Ahmadu Ali, the Jigawa state governor, Dr Saminu Turaki, were also in attendance at the meeting.

Apparently, two of the governors presented speeches which praised the president, and suggested the creation of a special place for him "hereafter".

The governors said Obasanjo, in this special position, would be a guide to the party, and would partake in crucial decision making matters that affected both the party and the government.

There is not yet any indication if the newly created post for Obasanjo has the support of the majority, but many believe that he needs to redeem his image after his failed third term and Interim National Government (ING) bid.

Obasanjo recently pushed for the creation of an interim government in Nigeria, citing the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was not ready for the 2007 elections.

Fears that Obasanjo might want to hold on to power at any cost have only fuelled rumours of him pushing for an ING in Nigeria.

Obasanjo also recently submitted a proposal to the national assembly to have the constitution ammended making provision for a third term. The national assembly subsequently refused to ammend the constitution.