Goodluck Jonathan shuns PDP convention amidst plans to join APC
Nigeria’ former President Goodluck Jonathan who campaigned for a second term under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was conspicuously absent at its national convention on Saturday.
The event which took place at the Eagles square in Abuja had powerful PDP bigwigs in attendance. The likes of governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe, among other top party officials and members.
Prior to the convention, the former President’s media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, released his itinerary, disclosing that Mr Jonathan would be in Nairobi, Kenya, for a three-day peace and security event organised by the African Union.
“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will depart Abuja, on Saturday, for Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, to attend the 12th African Union (AU) High-Level Retreat on the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa,” the statement said.
However, Mr Jonathan’s noticeable absence has heightened speculation of talks that he was planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) where he may get a ticket to contest the 2023 presidential poll.
Although the former president’s supporters are goading him to join the ruling party, Mr Jonathan’ deafening silence has continued to fuel rumours that he may be considering the option provided he is guaranteed the candidacy of the presidential ticket in 2023.
In September, The Africa Report noted how Yemi Akinwonmi, the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other party officials went to Mr Jonathan’s residence to talk him out of defecting to the APC.
In October, Peoples Gazette reported how Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike insisted that Mr Jonathan remain with the PDP as his interest would best be served with the party if he intended to run for president in the next political cycle.
Efforts by Peoples Gazette to extract a statement from the former president’s spokesperson failed as Mr Eze’s phone remained unreachable as at the time of publishing this report.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
2027: NDC to inaugurate presidential council October 20
The chairman said the party was taking time to make appropriate appointments to avoid disagreements that could disrupt its campaigns.
World
About one million without electricity after hurricane makes landfall in Florida
Isaias peaked as a category three hurricane, with heavy rain and powerful winds, but has since been downgraded.
Lagos
Lagos targets 3,000MW electricity supply by March 2027
Mr Sanwo-Olu said the initiative is part of efforts to end blackouts and build a 24-hour power economy in the state.
Politics
Nigeria at its best in 12 years; no govt has built infrastructure like my husband’s, says Remi Tinubu
Mrs Tinubu also cited the administration’s food support programme, saying it was designed to provide nutritious food for children.
States
Turkish Airlines increases Lagos flights from seven to 10 weekly
The statement added that the increase was aimed at meeting the growing travel demand between Nigeria and Türkiye.
States
Gov Yusuf condoles victims of bandit attack in Kano
Mr Yusuf assured residents that the state government was intensifying efforts to strengthen security through collaboration with relevant security agencies.
