Following the intervention of Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Edwin Clark, the son of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Abdul Jhalil Tafawa-Balewa, has withdrawn from the 2015 presidential contest.
Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information, who announced this at a press conference in Abuja, said Jhalil has also declared support for President Goodluck Jonathan.
Prompt News recalls that Balewa’s son was denied the PDP presidential nomination form despite having paid the stipulated N2 million for expression of interest and N20 million for nomination forms.
Jhalil had also vowed to explore all constitution means to protect his right to vote and be voted for even if it means challenging the party’s decision to offer Jonathan automatic ticket in court.
At the press conference, Clark said, “I wish to inform you that I have succeeded in intervening to make peace between two of my sons, Dr. Jhalil Tafawa Balewa and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
“Dr. Jhalil Tafawa Balewa had indicated his intention to contest the presidential primaries on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party against the decision of the party to give President Goodluck Jonathan the right of first refusal. “Unfortunately this issue was to generate unnecessary public distraction as detractors jumped to capitalize on it to make unfounded commentaries.
“The relationship between Dr. Jhalil Tafawa Balewa and President Goodluck Jonathan dates back to 2005 when the latter was the deputy governor of Bayelsa state.
“The same relationship continued in Abuja, when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan became the President. In deference to their old ties, Dr. Jhalil, has formally withdrawn his aspiration to contest the presidential election in the 2015 general elections”.
Asked if the N22 million paid by Balewa would be refunded, Clark said it was a sacrifice for friendship.
Asked for comment, Jhalil Tafawa-Balewa, said “what daddy said is very true.”
