Former President Goodluck Jonathan has finally decided to join the presidential race in 2023. His decision came barely 48 hours after disapproving of a nomination form bought for him by a northern group. Jonathan even called it an insult.
In May 9, Jonathan rejected the presidential expression of interest and nomination forms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which was bought for him by a Fulani group. According to a source from Jonathan’s camp, News Agency of Nigeria, reports that Jonathan has finally made up his mind to vie for the top post he lost previously to the incumbent in 2015.
The source told NAN that the former president has also joined the APC formally, having registered at his Otuoke Ward in Bayelsa. Meanwhile, Jonathan is expected to submit the well-filled forms bought on his behalf on Thursday.
According to the source, the former president has secured the support of the required number of APC delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Several bigwigs of the party have also been calling Jonathan to pledge their loyalty and support to the former president,’’ the source revealed.
The source also told NAN political correspondent on Wednesday that some influential African leaders had called Jonathan earlier on Monday to advise him “to contest the election in the interest of Nigeria.
“At least three top African leaders called the former president on the matter. They all urged him to run.
“One of them specifically told him that it didn’t make sense travelling all over Africa settling disputes only to shy away from leadership responsibility in his home country.
“Another reminded him of the implication of failing to put the experiences he garnered as a former Nigerian president and as a continental statesman to good use,” the source added but did not mention the names of the African leaders.
