By Olusegun Lawrence The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tuesday denied Abdul Jhalil Tafawa Balewa, son of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, the presidential nomination form.
He had come to the party’s Wadata House in Abuja, with a Zenith Bank teller having paid N22 million for the expression of interest and nomination forms.
However, Jhalil was asked to come back on Thursday because the forms for presidential aspirants were not available.
Also, another presidential aspirant, Akasoba Zainab Abiola, one of the widows of the acclaimed winner of June 12 presidential election, late MKO Abiola was denied the form.
She told newsmen that the party leadership told her categorically that she won’t get the form because it was reserved for the President.
But, going by the guidelines earlier released by the party, the sales of nomination form for all aspirants to all political offices ends Wednesday.
The aspirants can however submit between then and mid November.
Prompt News recalls that all the organs of the ruling party have adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s sole candidate.
His candidature is expected to be ratified by the national convention next month ahead of the presidential election in 2015.
Jhalil spoke with newsmen, saying he would not give up. “I will send my people to come on Thursday and obtain the form as I’ve been told it will be available then.
“I have the mandate of 40 million Nigerians who have signed that they want a change, I represent that change, and won’t give up on its pursuits until I achieve my aim” he said.
Meanwhile, President Jonathan is expected to pick the expression of interest and nomination forms today (Wednesday).
It was gathered that he may however do that by proxy.
