Even before his formal declaration of interest in contesting in the presidential race in 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan has accepted an endorsement as the sole Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate by all the organs of the party including its National Executive Council (NEC).
NEC is the highest decision-making body of the PDP.
Accepting the endorsement after the decision was made on Thursday, Jonathan said he would do everything in his power to make sure he does not betray the confidence bestowed on him by the party.
“Let me really say that the events of yesterday, starting with BoT meeting last night and what has just happened today, with the various motions adopting me as sole candidate of the party has really humbled me,” Jonathan said,
He expressed appreciation to all the PDP governors, pointing out that they initiated the action and are well deserving of praise. He also thanked members of BoT, senate president and members of the National Assembly, PDP women for their position and the NEC, because no matter whatever anybody does, if NEC, you will be on your own.
” Adopting me as the sole candidate of the party has humbled,” me Jonathan added.
“I am totally overwhelmed. When the governors came up in a jointly signed paper, though House of Representatives started it, governors intervention was like an atomic bomb, I commend all departments of the NEC.
“I am so overwhelmed that I lack words to express myslef. I leave it for another day. For today, for you to have that kind of confidence, I am extremely challenged. It means that whatever we had done inthe past three years, we tripple it. That is the only way Nigerians will appreciate it. I promise I will not disappoint you.”
PDP announced that it is adopting the incumbent president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate come 2015 General Election on Thursday.
The choice was decided and announced at the party’s National Executive Council meeting on Thursday.
After the meeting ― presided over by chaired by National Chairman of the party, Adamu Mua’zu and attended by Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha ― presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati tweeted that the decision was unanimous.
“PDP at its 66th NEC meeting in Abuja today, unanimously endorsed Pres. Jonathan as the party’s sole candidate in the 2015 presidential race,” Abati tweeted.
Sule Lamido, governor of Jigawa State, is known to be interested in contesting for the seat in 2015, was also present at the Thursday meeting where Jonathan was unanimously endorsed.
