Nigeria: Goodluck Jonathan wins PDP primary

  1. Posted on Friday 14 January 2011 - 09:22
    Samuel
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    Samuel Okocha, AfricaNews reporter in Lagos, Nigeria
    Nigerian incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday morning emerged as the presidential flag bearer of the ruling People's Democratic Party [PDP] for the April 2011 general election, following the party's primary that occurred on Thursday.
    NIGERIA -Acting President Goodluck promises fair elections
    Delegates from the 36 states of Nigeria had voted overnight at the live national convention of the party in Abuja to elect Jonathan who polled 2,736 votes. Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar polled 805 votes, while the third and only female aspirant Sarah Jubril got 1 vote.

    ''I Professor Tunde Adeniran, Officer of the Federal Republic, therefore declare Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to be the winner of this presidential primary election of the People's Democratic Party'' the returning officer and head of the electoral panel said after the results were announced amidst cheers from party members.

    President Jonathan’s landslide victory at the PDP's primary saw him winning across the south and northern region of Africa's most populous country, including the northern home state of Atiku, Adamawa State.

    In his acceptance speech, Jonathan described his election as the ruling party's presidential candidate as a victory for all.

    "This victory is not for me alone, it is not just for Sambo and our supporters in PDP, it is a victory for PDP members and indeed all Nigerians because it takes us one step closer to the Nigerian dream of our national transformation," President Jonathan said."I believe that the very lively presidential primary has prepared the Vice President [Nemadi Sambo] and I and indeed the entire party for the forthcoming general election."I want to welcome Mrs Jubril and his Excellency Abubakar on board so that together we can build a Nigeria of our collective interest.''

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