2023 Presidency: No automatic ticket for Jonathan ― APC

The All Progressives Congress Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) has said there would be no automatic ticket for former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan if he decides to defect to the ruling party and join the presidential race.

National Secretary of the APC CECPC, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, made the clarification, on Friday, in a statement.

The speculation has been rife that the former President who lost the 2015 presidential election to the incumbent, Muhammadu Buhari was plotting to join the APC.

According to media reports in a national daily, the waiver granted by the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution at its last December meeting was part of the orchestrated plot to secure a soft landing for Dr Jonathan ahead of his alleged defection for the APC presidential convention.

John James Akpanudoedehe

The APC National Secretary in the statement however disclosed that the waiver granted by APC National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution of 8th December 2020, approved the granting of waivers to persons who have recently joined the party and those desirous of joining the party in the nearest future to contest for positions in the APC and as party flag bearers in general elections.

He, however, clarified that the NEC proclamation was a blanket waiver to all new APC entrants,

“The waiver is definitely not specific to anyone as being misconstrued and misrepresented in some sections. Coming into the party gives no one special status of being an automatic party candidate in any election. All aspirants must undergo the nomination processes outlined by the APC constitution.

“Excerpts of APC NEC 8th December 2020, resolution: “…new members will enjoy all the benefits and privileges accruable by virtue of their membership of the party. So, they will be able to contest for positions in the party. They will be able to contest elections without any requirement of being members for a number of years or period of time.”