Jonathan Wins PDP Presidential Primaries

Jonathan Wins PDP Presidential Primaries

Nigeria 's President Goodluck Jonathan has won the primaries of the ruling People's Democratic Party, PDP by a landslide. He was overwhelmingly voted as the Presidential flag bearer of the party on Thursday, for the country's 2011 general election.

At the National Convention of the party held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, Jonathan polled 2, 736 votes to defeat his arch rival and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who polled 805 votes.

The third presidential aspirant, the only female contender, Mrs Sarah Jubril, came third with only one vote.

Chairman of the Electoral Panel, Professor Tunde Adeniran, announced the result of the presidential primary election and said that there were 61 voided votes out of the total vote of 3, 507 .

''I therefore declare President Goodluck Jonathan to be the winner of the
Presidential Primary election,'' he said.

Jonathan won the majority votes cast in 32 states and the FCT but lost in Niger,Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.

Promises of good governance

In his acceptance speech, President Goodluck Jonathan assured Nigerians of continued good governance if elected president at the April presidential election.

He also reiterated his commitment towards the fight against corruption.

President Jonathan promised to continue to provide good leadership to Nigerians, describing his victory as a ''monumental mandate'' .

''It means that delegates have chosen unity, progress and good leadership,'' he said and promised not to disappoint Nigerians.

The President promised to tackle the challenges of poor education, health, security and the economy as well as the crisis in the energy and power sectors.

He also gave assurances that the Plan for National security would address the problems of insecurity.

NAN/Yinka