Nigeria: President Goodluck Jonathan names Muslim northerner as tentative VP pick

Nigeria: Muslim governor considered for VP post

KANO, Nigeria — Nigeria’s new president has chosen a Muslim governor from the nation’s north to serve as his deputy.

Government sources tell The Associated Press that the president has picked state governor Namadi Sambo to serve as vice president. Though the office of President Goodluck Jonathan did not comment Thursday, a source requesting anonymity told The AP the pick came after long deliberation the night before.

Jonathan became Nigeria’s leader after the death of elected President Umaru Yar’Adua on May 5. Jonathan, a Christian from the nation’s south, now stands in for the deceased Muslim leader.

The post must be confirmed by the Senate. As Sambo is a Muslim northerner, his choice will likely appease northern politicians in the ruling party.