2023: Jonathan Finally Joins APC In Bayelsa – Source

The report is coming hours after the former leader rejected the party’s nomination form procured for him by a coalition of northern herders.

TrackNews understands that Jonathan’s camp had earlier stated in a communique that the former leader has no affiliation with the said Fulani group that purchased the presidential forms in his name.

His aides have mentioned that their principal would not have followed the back door if he intended to join the ruling party.

Recall that Jonathan became Nigeria’s president under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He lost his second term bid to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Reports emerging on Wednesday night have, however, revealed that the Otuoke man had resolved to vie for the top post he lost to the incumbent government in 2015.

A reliable source in Jonathan’s camp confirmed the development to newsmen, stating that the celebrated leader have registered his membership with the ruling party at his Otuoke Ward in Bayelsa.

The source according to Dailytrust, said Jonathan was expected to submit his APC expression of interest and nomination forms bought for him earlier in the week, on Thursday ahead of the deadline set for submission of forms.

The source further claimed that Jonathan has received massive supports from the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory while he has also secured the support of the required number of APC delegates in the respective states.

“Several bigwigs of the party have also been calling Jonathan to pledge their loyalty and support to the former president,’’ the source was quoted as saying, adding that the former president has got the support of influential African leaders charging him to contest the election in the interest of Nigeria.

He added: “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.