Contrary to reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan is out of the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket because he did not submit his nomination form, fresh details indicate that he is still very much in the race.
Jonathan Submits APC Nomination Forms
Sources revealed that Jonathan submitted both his expression of interest and nomination forms to the party. However, as of yesterday, party leaders could not confirm whether he had formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Earlier in the week, some PDP leaders led by Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State met with Jonathan, appealing to him to remain in the party and attend the PDP presidential convention.
Postponed APC Screening Linked to Jonathan’s Bid
The push to include Jonathan among APC presidential aspirants reportedly influenced the repeated postponement of the screening exercise. The seven-man screening committee chaired by the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, was said to be awaiting a final list of aspirants, including Jonathan’s name.
Northern Leaders Back Jonathan’s Return
Powerful northern political stakeholders are allegedly backing Jonathan’s candidacy for the 2023 presidential election. Vanguard learned that the idea has been presented to President Muhammadu Buhari, although he has neither endorsed nor rejected it publicly.
According to sources, Jonathan is considered a trusted ally of the North, and he may choose a northern Muslim as his running mate, which appeals to many northern leaders.
Odds Against Osinbajo and Southwest Aspirants
Political insiders argue that Jonathan has a stronger appeal compared to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other Southwest aspirants. Some northern leaders reportedly find it “repulsive” that another president should emerge from the Southwest after Obasanjo’s eight years and Osinbajo’s tenure as Vice President.
The source also noted that Buhari may not fully back Osinbajo due to past decisions made during his absence, such as the sacking of DSS DG Lawal Daura and former SGF Babachir Lawal.
Why Jonathan is Still in the Race
Another source disclosed that Jonathan initially hesitated to contest after cattle dealers purchased the APC nomination form on his behalf without prior notice. However, following persuasion from a presidential cabal and a late submission window allowed by the party, Jonathan eventually submitted his forms.
The cabal reportedly assured him that he is “the chosen one,” sparking a series of stakeholders’ meetings to strengthen his chances of emerging as APC’s consensus candidate.
Is Jonathan Officially an APC Member?
One major question still unanswered is whether Jonathan has formally registered as a member of the APC.
Bayelsa State APC Chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, told Vanguard that he could not confirm Jonathan’s membership until he returns to Yenagoa to verify the ward register. Similarly, Jonathan’s kinsman, Engr. Mike Ogiase, said that the truth will unfold at the “appropriate time.”
