Some All Progressives Congress leaders have stepped up moves to adopt former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s consensus presidential candidate in 2023.

The PUNCH on Tuesday learnt the moves formed part of the discussions between the former President and the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, in Abuja on Monday night.

It was gathered that already, the party leaders, including two northern governors, had reached out to other members of the National Working Committee to ensure the adoption of Jonathan as the consensus candidate.

But it was learnt that the moves by the former President and his supporters had generated a groundswell of anger from other contestants, who felt the plan would amount to injustice if it sailed through.

The ex-president and his backers were demanding that he should be adopted as the consensus candidate without going through indirect or direct primaries.

Sunday PUNCH on April 23 reported that Jonathan had given some conditions for his backers in the APC before he could join the party’s presidential race.

According to the report, the former President is seeking an open endorsement of his presidential ambition by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Jonathan is also insisting that he should be saved the rigour of facing founding APC members including the national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha and the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, during the party’s presidential primaries.

A source, who was privy to the meeting between Jonathan and Adamu on Monday night said the ex-President had signified interest to join the APC presidential race.

The source stated, “He fears the backlash and the opposition he will meet from members who are already in the race. He is still insisting on consensus so that he will not face the rigour of indirect primaries.

“Already, his backers, including the national chairman have started working on the consensus arrangement. They have reached out to the few presidential aspirants from the North who will readily step down for Jonathan.”

Another source said, “Jonathan’s meeting with the APC chairman went well. He sought the party leadership’s support for his candidacy and also demanded assurances that he would be exempted from the mandatory screening and other stringent conditions in the form.

“He would not be available for the screening because he won’t be in the country for two weeks as he is going to Dakar, Senegal for the ‘Dialogue on sustaining democratic principles in the ECOWAS sub-region organised by the West African Elders Forum.’

A group, the Nomadic Herders and Almajiris, had on Monday obtained the APC N100m nomination form for the ex-President.

a “Thank you” visit following last week’s visit to Ebonyi.

According to him, it will be difficult for the party to reconcile its policies and promises with those of the main opposition which brought Jonathan into power in 2011.

He stated, “We don’t forget people who have helped us, but on the question of joining, I may not say much about that because I’ve seen a lot of write-ups, denials, but if he decides to join and to run, it will, for me, become one of the wonders in this century.

“The reason is that if you go and see the campaign programmes of the APC and you now ask President Jonathan to come and run, I don’t know what will be our campaign promises and what will be the stories we’ll be telling Nigerians.

“I strongly believe that he was not aware of the forms and I want to believe that people that are mischievous would have bought the forms to embarrass him. But from what I read, he has quickly distanced himself from that. But as I said, if that is not the case, then the Guinness Book of Records is not totally filled up,” Umahi noted.

The governor also argued that the APC presidential ticket should be zoned to the South-East as he debunked the notion that the region was employing blackmail against the North.

The Ekiti State Coordinator, South West Agenda for Asiwaju Tinubu 2023, Senator Tony Adeniyi, in an interview with The PUNCH, said at Jonathan’s age and his level of education, he should not allow people to deceive him.

He asked, “Are those prompting him saying that the APC does not have people that can contest that they are calling on Jonathan who was ousted for his non-performance by the APC? Somebody who was described as clueless, what clue has he gotten now?

“We have a robust aspirant and candidate in Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who has shown that he is a strong force. He should just respect himself and go about doing whatever he is doing? What has he left in Aso Rock that he wants to come back for? If some people are pushing him for a single term, he should not be the scapegoat,” Adeniyi said.

It will be unfair – Pro-Osinbajo group

The Ekiti State Leader, Osinbajo Grassroots Organisation, Femi Adeleye, told The PUNCH that “it will be unfair if you come at the last minute and you are given such consideration, but if you see the primary format for the APC, there are guidelines that they will fill and sign, which shows that even if he comes in, he cannot be the candidate.”

When asked if it won’t be an injustice to founding members of the APC if Jonathan was made the party’s consensus candidate, the leader of the Grassroot Network for Asiwaju Tinubu group, Abiodun Mafe, said Jonathan could not be imposed on the party.

“Someone who is not a member of the board of directors of a company, can he be the managing director of that company?” he asked.

Jonathan is welcome, he can contest on APC platform – Katsina chairman

But the Katsina State APC Chairman, Aliyu Daura, in a chat with one of our correspondents on Tuesday night said there was nothing wrong if Jonathan contested on the platform of the party.

Daura stated, “He is welcome to our party. The party is big enough to accommodate all of us and he is also free to contest the Nigerian presidency under our party.”

His Bayelsa State counter, Dr Dennis Otiotio, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria also said Jonathan was free to join the party.

He stated, “The former president is not yet a registered member of APC. He is free to join any party of his choice.“We are open and willing to receive him into our fold, as a political party desirous of winning elections, the only way to go is by admitting people into the party,” Otiotio said.

Meanwhile, the group, which obtained the presidential expression of interest and nomination forms for Jonathan, vowed that the former President would not leave the country without accepting them.

The Secretary of the Fulani Group, Usman Mohammed, who stated this in a chat with The PUNCH, said the forms were meant to surprise Jonathan.

He stated, “I believe you are aware of how we blocked his office in the FCT during our rallies in Kano, Suleja, Minna and Abuja, and forced him to come out to address journalists. It is the same approach.

“If he doesn’t accept our form, we won’t let him out of Nigeria,” he said.

Jonathan jets out to Dakar for conference on credible polls

A few hours after the Fulani group issued the threat, the former President on Tuesday arrived in Dakar, Senegal to participate in a sub-regional dialogue on sustaining democratic principles in West Africa.

His Spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, who disclosed this, said the event was organised by the West African Elders Forum.

Eze, in a statement, titled, ‘Ex-President Jonathan arrives Dakar for sub-regional dialogue on democracy, peace”, said Jonathan who is the chair of WAEF would be declaring the event open alongside Senegalese President, Macky Sall.

He said, “The two-day programme, beginning on May 12, 2009, will provide the opportunity for former heads of state and other thought leaders in the sub-region to review recent socio-political developments, identify challenges and offer some recommendations that would enhance credible elections and peaceful transition of power in the sub-region.

“Other notable leaders from the sub-region expected at the event include former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma, former United Nations Special Representative to West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambas and former President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Thomas Ouedraogo.

“Participants at the dialogue will be focusing on many issues affecting the growth of democracy in the sub-region including constitutional term limits, credible elections as well as the return of military coups and unconstitutional change of government.

“They will also examine processes of galvanizing and harnessing subregional and regional responses to the socio-political challenges affecting West Africa’s democratic progress and advancement.

“Since its inauguration last year, WAEF, an initiative of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, has continued to champion causes that promote, peace, democracy and good governance in the sub-region.

“Two months ago, the Forum made up of mainly former Presidents and prime ministers from the sub-region convened a strategy meeting where they shared their thoughts on the democratic trends in West Africa.”

A group, the Igbo Leadership Development Foundation, said that it had not dropped its plan to sue Jonathan if he joined the presidential race.

The group Chairman/Director of Public Affairs, Dr Law Mefor, said their plan to challenge the ex-president in court was still in order.

According to Mefor, the foundation’s decision is not a mere threat.

“It is a commitment to democracy and its tenets. The ILDF, which I serve as vice chairman sees challenging the candidature of the former President as a duty we owe Nigerians in our collective efforts to grow democracy.

“The reason we have not directed our lawyers to do the needful is that both Jonathan and the Miyetti Allah which was earlier said to have purchased the form for him have denied it,” he said.

Mefor disclosed that though they saw the transfers from Heritage Bank for the forms for Jonathan and his curious visit to Adamu, he believed they still didn’t amount to anything.

“We must tarry till Dr Goodluck Jonathan declares and purchases the form or accepts a nomination form from any group. He may continue to deny but we know he has to attend the APC presidential screening if he is running.

A group, the Igbo Leadership Development Foundation, said that it had not dropped its plan to sue Jonathan if he joined the presidential race.

The group Chairman/Director of Public Affairs, Dr Law Mefor, said their plan to challenge the ex-president in court was still in order.

According to Mefor, the foundation’s decision is not a mere threat.

“It is a commitment to democracy and its tenets. The ILDF, which I serve as vice chairman sees challenging the candidature of the former President as a duty we owe Nigerians in our collective efforts to grow democracy.

“The reason we have not directed our lawyers to do the needful is that both Jonathan and the Miyetti Allah which was earlier said to have purchased the form for him have denied it,” he said.

Mefor disclosed that though they saw the transfers from Heritage Bank for the forms for Jonathan and his curious visit to Adamu, he believed they still didn’t amount to anything.

“We must tarry till Dr Goodluck Jonathan declares and purchases the form or accepts a nomination form from any group. He may continue to deny but we know he has to attend the APC presidential screening if he is running.

https://punchng.com/jonathans-backers-seek-adoption-southern-apc-aspirants-disagree/

it is clearly obvious GEJ isn't really keen on coming back. Do they have to force him to run?

Mooh247:

Malami , Baguda and some morons just want to end Buhari's career in shame and disgrace .

How?
Some of you guys write without thinking it through.
If the APC collapse after the party primaries, who do think will be the greatest loser? Surely not Buhari.

Failed attempt ...

Malami , Baguda and some morons just want to end Buhari's career in shame and disgrace

Ruga policy failed
Grazing route failed
Consensus and anoiting President will also fail

well something to amuse Mkpuru Nmiri idiots online


.

Gej is not interested

Yoruba people should be ashamed and duckling by now

For Apc to even reason Jonathan , woo Jonathan , send emissaries to Jonathan country home , visited him in his Abuja residence..
all to beg him to be their party candidate.. is a Huge slap on the Yoruba tribe .. and still shamelessly wooing him .. even after Tinubu and Osibanjo has declared and hustled.

Walahi .. is a huge slap..

Ordinary Pdp not involving igbos .. you see Yoruba abusing and cursing igbos on it

But see them .. their party is forcing their vomit on them.. and they don’t even have mouth or will to talk.. Yoruba is now saying .. that he can join and contest.. just like that

I see pAins .. but the fear of Fulani is keeping them shut .

I pray Gej keep the trust..

But on the other hand .. I wish he succes with Apc
And see him at the primaries with Tinubu and those Yoruba humans that sold southern Nigeria and shamelessly want to eat their cake

Yoruba people of southwest ba?
See the human above is already convulsing after Yoruba and their noise que for consensus..
And they will still que for consensus At the primaries..


Power to the people
North 2023

All this talk does not change anything. The same way Adamu emerged that is how Jonathan would emerge.

The man self don travel go Dakar, leaving APC leaders and NWC to sort things out for him.

But wait ooo! Jonathan get luck sha!

He was deputy governor, the Alimiesha was removed, he became governor, without contest.

Then from Governor-elect, he was made VP, without contest. Then from VP, Umaru died and he became president and served 6 years.

Now APC is begging him to come and serve additional 4 years to make it 10 years.

Who says there is no meaning in a Name like GOODLUCK!

Mooh247:




Malami , Baguda and some morons just want to end Buhari's career in shame and disgrace



.

They’re already frustrating the Yoruba god....
While Baba is cruising to retirement in peace .. Apc is evil
He that is down need fear no fall.. Buhari has no fears again..
But
Consensus Chairman no fail.. they all que..
Rug-a and grazing root is different from party affairs ..
Apc is firmly in the hands of Baba and his inner cacus.. they decide for the party and every que .. no questions.

PArty that is kicking the Rip kick has no future ..
Power to the people
North 2023

If buhari backs him then expect him to emerge

Asgard13:



They’re already frustrating the Yoruba god....

While Baba is cruising to retirement in peace .. Apc is evil

He that is down need fear no fall.. Buhari has no fears again..

He have seen the burial of Apc at national ..

Power to the people
North 2023

If that is so and you believe within your mind what you typed

Then why are you always panicking about with over three alternative username on every APC, Yoruba and Tinubu's thread

You seem desperate to prove a point which I can't tend to figure

You don't have a candidate, you don't have a party or ideology

Your only concern is Yoruba this Tinubu that

even after been banned many times your entire purpose in life revolves around your hate for people who dont even know of your existence


Stupidity at its prime and peak



.

Mooh247:




Malami , Baguda and some morons just want to end Buhari's career in shame and disgrace

Ruga policy failed
Grazing route failed
Consensus President will also fail


.

But consensus chairman did not fail. If governors anoint their successors in their political parties then the president should be allowed to do same too

The humiliation the useless buffon go see eeh, mouth no go fit talk am ooh
Those pushing goatluck Jonathan just want to disgrace him once again
I still stand gidigba on Tinubu's mandate

Mooh247:



If that is so and you believe within your mind what you typed

Then why are you always panicking about with over three alternative username on every APC, Yoruba and Tinubu's thread

You seem desperate to prove a point which I can't tend to figure

You don't have a candidate, you don't have a party or ideology

Your only concern is Yoruba this Tinubu that

See you’re a new bie on Nairaland

I’m not you, that’s every where with Yorubatic tribal bitterness and craze for nairaland likes and shares

Everyone on Nairaland knows Asgard and reason why your local god must contest..

You’re just a Tinubu wannabe and a Yoruba online warrior..
you don’t see Legendhero or Seunmg.. put in the mud . They’re all Tinubu pointmwn here ..

You’re attention seeker .. I don’t give that.

You wey get party and ideology .. we seen it .. and your desperation for attention..

Carry on .. with your bitterness and hate .

Tinubu must be on ballot
Must
Yoruba must be on a ballot

No excuses

Power to the people
North 2022

.

Aufbauh:


How?
Some of you guys write without thinking it through.
If the APC collapse after the party primaries, who do think will be the greatest loser? Surely not Buhari.

If you had applied simple logic you would have known that just like Buhari was jailed for almost 4 years and denied freedom after his 80s regime

If APC fails, Buhari and his family are heading to jail for multiple violations...

Malami and Emeifiele knows this very well that's why they are looking for power by all means


.

nzeobi:


But consensus chairman did not fail. If governors anoint their successors in their political parties then the president should be allowed to do same too

Consensus Chairman was an agreement by all APC merger group and not Buhari's sole directive

Buhari and his drama, Jonathan you said that plunged Nigeria to problem which Buhari came to rescue, you want to hand over same Nigeria to him.

Discarding those that have been working tirelessly for the party for years.

Still waiting how the whole show will be unfolded.

The movie is getting interesting.....watch out for part two


Make oga jona just rest and not dent his image in the hands of these political fraudsters.



Kindly check my signature for your writing services on your Assignments, Projects, Advertisements, Academic research, etc...

What a country

He wants to carry his Goodluck too far... Kolewerk

Mooh247:


Consensus Chairman was an agreement by all APC merger group and not Buhari's sole directive

Buhari gave the directive and they all fell in line obidiently

And some guys, we're saying he was been lobbied to contest, on the contrary Jonathan is the one lobbying, that really shows how weak a man he is, a real man with integrity and name to protect should have organised the pdp since 2015 when they lost the election and contest on their platform now, but instead he is looking for an easy ride, forgetting that those people that chased him away in 2015 are in apc waiting for him, Badaru and Buni alone can't save him, and Buhari can't impose him, for him to have even shown interest in apc in the first place, he has fallen to the trap already, and he will be disgraced.

Are they still on this Dead on Arrival shenanigans.

Part of the plot.

Na Part 2 dem go take wounjure all the supporters of terrorists, criminals and murderers in this nation.
Dem go teach una Politics 101

All those crying that Jonathan shouldn't do this and that... Bla bla bla...

I feel he should run, if APC gives him auto ticket..

This same Jonathan was betrayed by members of the PDP.

Demonized by Tinubu, Buhari and all head slamming afonjas..


Now they are begging he returns for whatever selfish interest they all have.

Jonah return, to spite Tinubu,

Return to show head slamming Afonjas that they are slaves in the zoo.

Return to spite all who betrayed you and called you clueless...

Triple their hardships and suffering





And in your last year, split the zoo into 5... Let all man go to his tent.





Amen

Let's imagine for a second what APC will say during campaign if Jonathan is made the flag bearer? Well, Lai Mohamed is still alive

PS
it's exactly a decade I officially registered on nairaland, it's been a beautiful experience and one of the best decisions I ever made.

Though I'm not much of a commenter yet in my sideline, I have followed closely and I have been positively impacted. I have grown and evolved into a better being

I want to say a very big thank you to Seun for the conceptualization of this wonderful platform, the moderators who make things work out perfectly and the ever vibrant members who without them, this forum would be another failed app project.

nzeobi:

Buhari gave the directive and they all fell in line obidiently

See Buhari Chief Media Officer, Boy nzeobi himself. Him go just open mouth waaahhhmmmm, dey talk lies confidently...
Kontinue ooo

nzeobi:


Buhari gave the directive and they all fell in line obidiently

Says who?!

Progressive Governors gave Buhari two names to pick from which he picked Adamu and all other party position got shared equally


.

Asgard13:
nnmm

Yeah

Hmmmn

Aufbauh:


How?
Some of you guys write without thinking it through.
If the APC collapse after the party primaries, who do think will be the greatest loser? Surely not Buhari.

Don't mind him. He thinks he is talking to toddlers. Should APC collapse today, the South-West will be the biggest loser because they have put all their eggs in the APC.

Mooh247:


Says who?!

Progressive Governors gave Buhari two names to pick from which he picked Adamu and all other party position got shared equally


.

You even have time to reply the boy