President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed for the support of the coalition of the 46 political parties as pledged by the parties‘ leaders, who paid him a solidarity visit on Thursday in Abuja, if he eventually decides to contest the 2011 presidential election.

Jonathan said after the declaration of support signed by the National Chairmen, and National Secretaries of 33 out of the 46 parties was presented to him by the newly-formed Grand Coalition of Political Parties, that he was humbled by their declaration of support in appreciation of his achievements in office.

”I thank you for your kind words and appreciation of our achievements. With your support, we will work even harder to move Nigeria forward. We must build a country that our children will be proud of and we will contribute our best effort to this project,” he told the leaders of the coalition.

The President assured the group that they would be actively involved in the national campaign if he eventually declares.

The declaration of support by the coalition was presented to Jonathan by Alhaji Danjuma Mohammed, the National Chairman of the Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy, who said that the 46 political parties had come together to support him in the overriding interest of the country, continued well-being, and progress.

According to Mohammed, 33 out of the 46 political parties signed the declaration of support presented to the President.

”We have chosen to support you because while all other candidates are only offering us proposals, you already have ongoing projects to improve the living conditions of Nigerians. We will not only work for you, we will go out and campaign actively for your victory,” Mohammed told the President.

Others who spoke in the same vein on the occasion included Chief Udemba Chukwudolue, the National Chairman of the National Solidarity Democratic Party and Chief Emmanuel Osita Okereke, National Chairman of the African Liberation Party.



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