Tobias Sylvester
The All Progressives Congress (APC) said it give former president, Goodluck Jonathan, a chance to contest for the 2023 presidential election if he decides to join the ruling party.
APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, John Akpanudoedehe disclosed this while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
When asked about the speculations that Jonathan is considering to join the APC, Akpanudoedehe said the Nigerian ex-President would be welcomed to their fold because his defection will strengthen the party’s structure.
“I am hearing that for the first time that we are expecting the former President. That will be great news. We will welcome him; that will also strengthen the party,” Akpanudoedehe said.
The APC official added that Jonathan will also be granted a founding member status which will help him contest for the 2023 presidency if he joins the ruling party.
Akpanudoedehe noted that the ruling party has a special waiver for new members, including the privilege of vying for any political office in the country.
“The last National Executive Council (NEC) of the party actually gave a blanket approval to any individual that if you join APC today, it is as if you are a founding member of the party.
“So, anyone who joins today has the same opportunity to run for any office in this party. It has always been so, so I am not speculating,” he added.
Meanwhile, Goodluck Jonathan has denied rumours of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
