Speculations have kept flowing in that former president Goodluck Jonathan has finally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Jonathan in all his political carrier has always been a member of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, until his last contest in the 2015 General election where he lost to President Buhari who is currently serving his second term. There were rumours in the last three days making the rounds in the country that the Association of Herders in Nigeria have bought Presidential form for the former Nigerian leader to throw in his hat in the 2023 general election to vie for the highest office, the rumour he initially kicked against. The rumour changed from herdsmen to the northern coalition group to be the ones that purchased the presidential nomination form for Jonathan.
Former President Jonathan when called upon by his supporters to participate in the 2023 general election last month, told them to be on the “watch out” as he was yet to make up his mind.
Meanwhile, his media aid, Ikechukwu Eze, in a statement on Monday said his principal did not give his consent to those who claimed they bought forms on his behalf.
However, it was learned that Jonathan was said to have gone to his ward in Otuoke in Bayelsa state yesterday Wednesday to register as a member of the APC.
According to a report by NAN, “a dependable source in Jonathan’s camp” said the former president had registered with the APC at his ward in Otuoke, Bayelsa state.
The source disclosed that the former president may be submitting his nomination form today Thursday in Abuja.
The source added, “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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians and his supporters are waiting fingers crossed for Jonathan’s formal declaration on the whole matter.
