JOLO, Sulu – About 12 of the 19 town mayors of Sulu and eight provincial legislators have formally signed a manifesto withdrawing their political support to Sulu Vice Gov. Nur Ana Sahidulla as a congressional candidate in next year’s polls.

Sahidulla is said to be eyeing the 2nd congressional district of Sulu and was previously endorsed by some mayors, who are senior members of the ruling coalition Lakas-Kampi-Christian-Muslim Democrat party.

Those who withdrew their support have sent a signed manifesto to President Arroyo who heads the coalition and was also furnished to Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan and Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, both chairmen of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party.

A copy of the manifesto was also sent to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who is the current president of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD coalition.

“After due consultations among ourselves, taking into account the higher interest of the party ... do hereby withdraw our collective support and earlier endorsement for Vice Gov. Hadja Nur-Ana I. Sahidulla as the party standard-bearer for the 2nd congressional district of Sulu, nor will we endorse her for any elective post in the coming elections,” the manifesto reads and signed by 12 town mayors and eight provincial board members of Sulu.

“The Provincial Party Hierarchy is in the process of selecting the best candidate to represent the Lakas-Kampi-CMD for the 2nd congressional district seat who is truly representative of the ideals and principles of the party and will make representation to the National Party hierarchy on the matter in due time,” the manifesto further reads.

The mayors who signed the manifesto include Mayors Hussin Amin (Jolo); Hussin Ahajan (Indanan); Munib Estino (Panglima Estino); Kabir Hayudini (Patikul); Gafur Abdurajak (Panamao); Nedra Burahan (Panglima Tahil); Arthur Muksan (Siaisi); Sitti Raya Tulawie (Talipao).