Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday, September 15, declared his intention to run in January 2011 Presidential Elections on the social networking website Facebook.

A statement appeared on President Jonathan's Facebook page announcing his intention to run as thousands of people convened in Eagle Square in the capital Abuja, the nation's capital city, for the campaign launch of his rival, former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida retired.

"Today I confirm that after wide and thorough consultations ... I Goodluck Ebele Jonathan by the grace of God hereby offer myself and my services to the Nigerian people as a candidate for the office of President in the forthcoming 2011 elections," the statement on Jonathan's Facebook page said.

It said he would make a formal declaration in the capital Abuja on Saturday, September 18 on his intention to run for the leadership of Africa's most populous nation.

President Jonathan's election bid is controversial because of an agreement in the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) that power should rotate between the mostly Muslim north and predominantly Christian south every two terms.

Dr. Jonathan, who is from the Niger Delta of Bayelsa state in the South-South of Nigeria, inherited the presidency when late northern President Umaru Yar'Adua from the North-West zonal state of Katsina of the country died on Wednesday, May 5 this year during his first term.

Click to read full Facebook Declaration

Some powerbrokers within the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) claimed the next leader must be a northerner.

The Facebook statement said Jonathan had decided to run after consultations with the country's six geo-political zones, the ruling party, the opposition, civil society, labour unions and religious leaders.The unconventional method of announcing his ambition was in marked contrast to Babangida's traditional rally in Abuja's Eagle Square, the parade ground which has hosted national ceremonies since the capital moved from Lagos two decades ago.

Dr. Jonathan stated that he is making only one promise to Nigerians "The only promise I make to you my friends, fellow citizens and Nigeria, is to promise LESS and deliver MORE if I am elected". Jonathan said.

President Jonathan is expected to make a formal declaration on Saturday, September 18 as revealed by the Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili and Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo.