15th November, 2014
President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday in Abuja submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the presidency in 2015 on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
NAN reports that this was in a bid to beat the deadline given to all aspirants by the PDP leadership for the submission of all completed forms.
The party leadership had given all aspirants Nov. 14, as deadline for the submission of all forms for the 2015 general elections.
Vice President Namadi Sambo, who submitted the forms on behalf of President Jonathan, described the President as a transformer.
Sambo said “it is with great pleasure and humility that on behalf of all Nigerians, I present the forms.
“I present and submit the completed forms for the 2015 Presidential election for our President, who has been touching the lives of Nigerians.
“Our President has pushed and moved this country forward by transforming it as the greatest country and the first economy in Africa and the 26th economy in the world.”
The vice president then presented the forms to the PDP National Chairman, Ahaji Admau Mu`azu, for onward transmission to the party`s National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapher.
In his response, Mu’azu expressed happiness that the party at its caucus meeting, agreed to unanimously endorsed President Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate for 2015 presidential election.
This, he said, was a sign of the confidence members of the party had in President Jonathan, following his total commitment to the development of the country.
“I, therefore, thank you and congratulate you, I wish you God’s guidance and protection, in this journey that we have all started.
“We pray that God almighty grants you and other members of our team, governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state assemblies, great success in the coming election.
“May the Almighty God in his infinite mercy continue to bless, help and guide us all.”
The PDP National Organising Secretary, in his remarks, said that the desire of Nigerians, was for President Jonathan to be given a second term in office in 2015.
He said “on behalf of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), I feel privileged and honoured to receive the forms, through the vice president on behalf of the President for the 2015 Presidential election.
“By the grace of God, victory will be ours.”
It would be recalled that Present Jonathan picked the forms to contest the presidency in 2015 on Oct. 30 and formally declared his intention to contest the election on Nov. 11 at the Abuja Eagle Square.
The occasion was witnessed by more than 700 pro- Jonathan support groups, PDP governors, party stalwarts, market women, civil society groups and members of the diplomatic corps.
President Jonathan had earlier been endorsed by the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) as the party`s sole presidential candidate for the 2015 presidential election.
The PDP NEC, which is the highest decision making organ of the party, endorsed President Jonathan.
Thereafter, the PDP Governors Forum and other organs of the party adopted President Jonathan as their candidate for the election.