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Nigeria has affirmed, through its Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, its support for Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's candidature for the top post of the African Union.
He was speaking in Cape Town on Wednesday after the 8th South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC), which he co-chaired with Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.
Sambo said Nigeria would support South Africa to take up any position, including in the United Nations, where the country is a non-permanent member in the United NationsSecurity Council.
Dlamini-Zuma, a former wife of President Jacob Zuma is contesting for the AU Commission chairperson post against incumbent Jean Ping of Gabon.
In January, African leaders shelved the election of the chairperson for their July summit to be held in Malawi after both the incumbent and Dlamini Zuma failed to secure the two thirds majority needed to lead the organ.
It would be recalled that President Jacob Zuma recently cleared the controversies that were generated as a result of the deadlock that followed the last African Union elections, with a tie between Ms Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and current and outgoing chairperson, Jean Ping of Gabon.
The South African President promised that his administration would abide by the outcome of the forthcoming Summit of the African Union in Malawi where a decision would be taken by African leaders on who becomes the next leader.
His words: "On the issue relating to the candidacy of the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to the African Union Commission as chairperson, we reiterate that we are driven by the principle of strengthening the AU and improving its functioning and operations"
"We also believe in the principle of giving all regions of the African Union {AU} the opportunity to serve the organisation"
Saying that South Africa had no intention of dominating the continent or to bully any country or structure, the President noted that his country would serve, if elected, as a humble, loyal and disciplined member of the African Union.
"We stand ready to respect whatever outcome emerges from the African Union summit in Malawi. We all have a responsibility to promote the unity of the African Union so that it can continue its task of serving the peoples of Africa, leading them out of poverty and the legacy of centuries of colonialism and underdevelopment" he also said
