2023 Elections: Goodluck Jonathan Never Dreams Of Dumping PDP As Party Reconciliation Committee Meets Him

 

After weeks of courting and political romance from the ruling All Progressive Congress(APC),Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan looks set to remain with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) after meeting with some of the opposition party's chieftain in a move jeered towards reconciling aggrieved members back to the party.

In its bid to strengthen the party's chances during the upcoming elections, a committee was inaugurated to reconcile aggrieved members who left the PDP as well woo new members into the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The meeting with Jonathan came on the heels of perceived growing rapport between some leaders of the APC and the former president that triggered speculations that the ruling party may be courting Jonathan for the 2023 presidential race.

The committee led by former senate president Bukola Saraki met with Goodluck Jonathan behind closed doors at his residence on Tuesday, to brief him of their mandate, plans as well as to seek his advice on how to go about it to strengthen the party by reconciling aggrieved members.

On the reasons for the meeting, Saraki said:"We are members of the national reconciliation and strategy committee set up by the party and part of our task is to meet with our former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

“We are starting with our former President and we are here to let him know what our plans are and also to hear his views and advice on what we need to do and how to do it as well as how we need to strengthen the party and reconcile aggrieved members to bring about unity and focus in our party.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Bukola Saraki assured that the former president is not quitting the PDP anytime soon, confirming that Jonathan was unwavering in his commitment to see the PDP bounce back to national reckoning, and that the former president would avail the PDP of his experience, time and resources to return it to power, particularly at the centre.

He said: “He gave us his views and we are very happy.He reassured all of us of his commitment to the PDP and he told us that he is still ready to offer his time, experience and resources to strengthen the party.That is very strong and important for us.

“He is also ready to work with the reconciliation committee to play his role. That is a great step for the party. We have put that behind us.

“All those people of the other party that would like to come and disturb our leaders. Our leaders are here and they are ready to work for the party”.

On the possibility of Jonathan vying for the 2023 Presidential ticket of the PDP, Saraki evasively said that the former president is resolved to work in the interest of the opposition party were commendable.

“We spoke about what role former Presidents like him will play and he left us feeling very happy that yes, he would like to play that role in the PDP and helping our committee to move forward.

Other members of the PDP reconciliation committee that accompanied Saraki to the meeting included former governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River); Ibrahim Shema (Katsina); and Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe).