In a last minute move, the son of former Prime Minister, Dr. Abduljhail Tafawa Balewa, on Wednesday conceded his presidential aspiration to President Goodluck Jonathan as he declared his withdrawal from the race for the presidential ticket of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He made the declaration shortly after he met with the screening committee of the PDP at the party secretariat.
After 90 minutes with the screening committee, he declared: “I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the strength and well-being of the party. Hope to see you all some other time. I am a strong PDP member.”
He refused to take questions after declaring his withdrawal from the race.
Earlier, as part of preparations for the 2015 presidential election, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had screened
President Goodluck Jonathan and the son of former Prime Minister, Abdul-Jhalil Tafawa Balewa on Wednesday to enable them contest the party’s presidential primary scheduled for January 10 and 11, 2015.
Also, the party insisted that despite the security challenges in the North-east, especially Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states, elections must hold in the states.
President Jonathan, who was at the party’s national secretariat in the company of his deputy, Namadi Sambo, Akwa Ibom state governor, Godswill Akpabio, and other members of his cabinet about 3:15pm, was screened by the screening committee headed by former National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ahmadu Ali.
Other members of the committee were; former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, Alhaji Yerima Abdullahi, Bashir Dalhatu, Walin Dutse , Chief Jim Nwobodo, Prof. Stella Atoe, Chief Jibrin Martins Kuye, Hon. Saudatu Sani, Chief Josephine Anenih as members while Barrister Olusola Oke served as Member/Secretary.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the screening that lasted for one hour, the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh, said that President Jonathan was only obeying the party guideline. – Thisday.
