THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Turaki has announced that former President Goodluck Jonathan has been granted a waiver from the party’s screening process ahead of its presidential primary election.
News Point Nigeria reports that the disclosure was made on Tuesday in Abuja by Babangida Aliyu, former governor of Niger State and a member of the PDP screening committee.
Aliyu, who represented former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, chairman of the screening panel, explained that Jonathan’s long political career and previous leadership positions made further screening unnecessary.
“As you know, the party had already given the presidential aspirant a waiver. He was deputy governor, governor, vice-president, and later president, so we didn’t see anything that needed screening,” Aliyu said.
“And therefore, the party had given him a waiver. In other words, he has been cleared and declared as a candidate of the PDP for the presidential election — that is, President Jonathan.”
Aliyu also disclosed that the party granted a similar waiver to Taofeek Arapaja, a former member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), ahead of the governorship election in Oyo State.
According to him, the screening committee had already screened governorship aspirants from several states, including Taraba State, Adamawa State, Kano State, Akwa Ibom State, and Delta State.
“So our committee is still in place. The committee will continue the screening exercise and clear aspirants within the screening period accordingly,” he stated.
Aliyu further expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to participate fully in the coming elections despite internal challenges.
“We are very happy that those who have been attempting to kill the party have not succeeded. The party will contest this election by the grace of God and by the constitution of Nigeria,” he said.
Jonathan, who remains the sole presidential aspirant of the Turaki-led PDP faction, was expected to submit his nomination form at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre on Monday but did not appear at the venue.
The PDP primaries for all elective positions are scheduled to hold on May 28.
