Jonathan Challenges APC Candidate To Presidential Debate

Ahead of the 2015 presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan expressed readiness for a debate with the opposition on his performance and effort at preserving the peace and unity of the country.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, on the preparation of the party for its national convention, National publicity secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, made this declaration.

He boasted about his party’s chances at the polls, warning the All Progressives Congress (APC) that President Jonathan would inflict a crushing defeat on anyone the opposition party fields in the presidential election.

“The PDP is rest assured that we have a very good product to sell to Nigerians. We are confident that President Jonathan, as our candidate, is primed to win the 2015 presidential election based on his popularity as a result of his forthrightness, humility and steadfastness to the Nigerian project, coupled with his record of verifiable achievements.

“We are today serving notice to the opposition APC to expect a crushing defeat at the polls. In view of our confidence, preparedness and the popularity of our candidate, we declare that the APC can put forth its two frontline aspirants in one bunch, namely General Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as joint presidential candidates with their collective credentials and followership to face our candidate, President Jonathan.

“For us in the PDP, it is neither a matter of conjecture nor propaganda; we are certain that with the grassroots support and the love he enjoys from Nigerians across board, President Jonathan will secure an emphatic victory at the poll,” he said.

Speaking about Jonathan’s approach in dealing with Boko Haram insurgency, Metuh noted that the president take actions only after they have been carefully thought out.
noting that when he came under pressure from some quarters to declare total emergency by dismantling democratic structures in the North-East, he thought differently.

“Instead of reacting in ways that could damage the trust and love of Nigerians for one another, the president has acted more on the side of caution by ensuring that actions to defeat terrorism are carefully thought-out and pursued,” he said.

Metuh disclosed that the party expects 3,073 delegates to cast their votes to elect President Jonathan, in confirmation of his candidacy as the party’s flag bearer in the 2015 elections.

The delegates will also elect national chairman of the party, Dr Adamu Mu’azu; national secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo and the national auditor, Adewale Adeyanj, all of whom came on board the National Working Committee (NWC) in acting capacity.

While others have withdrawn to let Jonathan run unopposed, Mrs Akasoba Duke-Abiola had insisted on contesting the presidential primaries with the president. Metuh said nobody would stop her from the convention, as long as she was satisfied with the party guidelines.