PDP screens Jonathan, Balewa steps down

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday appeared before the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Screening Committee ahead of the December 10 national convention of the party.
Jonathan arrived the Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja national secretariat of the party at about 3pm accompanied by Vice President Namadi Sambo; his Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Jones Arogbofa; ministers; and other personal aides.
He was received by the National Chairman of the party, Adamu Mu’azu; Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio; members of the PDP National Working Committee; members of the National Assembly; and chieftains of the party, among others.
The Presidential Screening Panel is headed by former National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, with members including former Attorney General of the Federation and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Chief Bayo Ojo, Alhaji Yerima Abdullahi, Bashir Dalhatu, Chief Jim Nwobodo, Professor Stella Atoe, Chief Jibrin Martins Kuye, Hon. Saudatu Sani and Chief Josephine Anenih.
PDP’s former National Legal Adviser, Chief Olusola Oke, is the secretary of the screening panel.
Meanwhile, son of Nigeria’s late Prime Minister and a presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, on Wednesday surprisingly stepped down for President Jonathan in the 2015 presidential race.
Balewa, who arrived at the National Secretariat of the party at the Wadata Plaza,Wuse, Abuja, about 30 minutes after President Jonathan had left the venue, went through the screening exercise.
Making known his decision to withdraw from the race, he said: “I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the strength and well-being of the party.
“I am a strong PDP member and I will continue to work for the progress of the party.”
Ali, who had earlier announced Balewa’s decision to withdraw from the race, commended the aspirant’s decision.
According to him: “After going through 90 minutes the screening exercise lasted, he came to the conclusion that he wanted to withdraw from the race.
“He has promised to do everything to ensure the success of the party at the poll.
“We commend him for the decision, although he chose to go through the entire process of screening before deciding to withdraw.”
On Jonathan’s appearance before the panel, the party explained that it was necessary because he had to abide by the provisions of the PDP constitution.
Speaking to reporters after the event, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, said: “It’s part of our guidelines.
“Serving members, governors, members of the National Assembly are screened under their own categories.
“As a sitting president, it is important and the party is supreme.
“The constitution of the party is supreme.
“Members of the party are supposed to be loyal to the provisions of the constitution.
“So, the President has exhibited humility, commitment, loyalty and dedication of the party members today.”
Outcome of the screening exercise is expected on Thursday (today).