Breaking: Former President Goodluck Jonathan Shuns PDP Convention, Jets Out to Kenya
- Former president Goodluck Jonathan has departed the country to attend a high-level African union retreat in Kenya
- Jonathan, who is a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was expected to be at the venue of the party's national convention, Abuja
- The ex-president is the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) special envoy for Mali and also chairman of Ecowas Council of the Wise
FCT, Abuja - Speculations were rife on Saturday, October 30, at the venue of the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abuja, when the immediate past president of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was conspicuously absent.
Legit.ng reports that there have been rumours that Goodluck was planning to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and become its presidential candidate for the 2023 election.
Source: UGC
Jonathan had in many fora denies such move as he said that he is committed to the unity, peace and progress of the country.
It was, however, gathered that Jonathan is currently on his way to Nairobi, Kenya to attend a high-level African union retreat of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa.
PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
Jonathan, who is the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Special Envoy for Mali and also Chairman of Ecowas Council of the Wise would be in Kenya for 3 days.
The retreat is themed: “Improved Co-ordination and Harmonization for Impactful Mediation”.
The Special Adviser to Jonathan on Media, Ikechukwu Eze, had said on Friday, October 29, in a statement in Abuja, that the ex-president, said that the retreat would bring together the Chairperson of the Commission, senior Kenyan government officials, as well as representatives of AU member states, regional organisations, international agencies and AU organs.
The statement read:
“It will also provide participants an opportunity to reflect, take stock and review ongoing mediation efforts in the evolving conflict context on the continent, towards better coherence for more sustained impact.
“The retreat will, in addition, offer insights and exchanges by mediation practitioners on emerging policy and practice as it relates to inclusivity, particularly of women, youth and civil society."
He noted that the background information provided by the AU described the annual high-level retreat as one of the key continental body’s initiatives for improving impact in addressing conflict situations in Africa.
Bala Mohammed for president, Shehu Sani for governor, other banners surface at PDP convention
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that the Eagle Square, the venue for the national convention of the opposition party, the PDP is littered with various banners and posters of prospective political aspirants.
It was reported that some of such posters include that of Bauchi state governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; former PDP presidential candidate in the 2019 general election, Atiku Abubakar; former lawmaker, Shehu Sani; Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state; Doyin Okupe; Governor Aminu Tambuwal among many others.
Also littered around the venue are banners indicating that the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki would be running for the presidency in 2023.
Source: Legit.ng
