Hawkish members of President Goodluck Jonathan's inner circle are reportedly pushing for the removal of Attahiru Jega as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) this week, with sources indicating a move to force him into terminal leave before his term ends in mid-2015. This decision, if enacted, would pave the way for the appointment of Amina Bala Zakari, who is perceived as more amenable to abandoning the use of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and other anti-rigging technologies, thereby facilitating potential rigging. The Presidency is alleged to be using substantial funds, sourced from oil and energy deals and reportedly distributed by Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, to compromise INEC officials and influence various groups, with over $200 million allegedly disbursed since the election postponement. This strategy is seen as a move to ensure victory for the PDP and President Jonathan in the rescheduled March 28 presidential election and April 11 governorship polls, following an earlier six-week postponement that crippled the opposition's momentum.