Jonathan To Clarify Ambition Next Week

Come next Thursday, Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to make his intentions known as regards next year’s Presidential Election. He is expected to table his bid before the National Executive Council (NEC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

On that day, the PDP is expected to pass a vote of confidence on its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur

Yesterday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh had confirmed the summoning of a NEC meeting for Thursday but refused to share details of the agenda

However a member of the National Working Committee, NWC of the party, who based on anonymity spoke  to a National Mirror correspondent revealed hat the NEC will be formally briefed about the intention of President Jonathan to face the electorate once again in 2015.

“President Jonathan will formally table his reelection bid and will seek the endorsement of the NEC to be given the opportunity to fly the flag of the party once again.

“The President has personally requested for this NEC as he intends to use the opportunity to clear the ground concerning the crisis in the party, the leadership of Tukur and his ambition to remain in power till 2019.

“Most Nigerians are aware that the President has the intention of remaining in power as far as the constitution permits and he has resolved after due consultations with his immediate family to also seek the permission of the party leaders to continue the good works he is doing.

“He will put the records straight and will ignore the opposition mounted by a segment of the elite who are bent on intimidating him out of power.”

A Presidency source also told our correspondent in confidence that Tukur has the tacit approval of President Jonathan to remain in office and that he is confident that the National Chairman will navigate the party through the current crisis.

“The NEC will pass a vote of confidence on Tukur, and he will be mandated to continue with the reforms in the party and to also ensure that discipline is instilled in all cadres of the party.

“Though, the consequences are there to see but the party is determined to weed off members who are larger than the party,” the source revealed.