Yesterday, Abuja stood still as President Goodluck Jonathan formally declared his intention to run for the 2015 elections under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, The Ceremony held at the Eagles square in Abuja. The event saw thousand of supporters gather at the Eagles square to lend their support to the President. The President stated in his declaration; “After seeking the face of God, in quiet reflection with my family and having listened to the call of our people nationwide to run, I, Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, have accepted to re-present myself, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party for re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2015 general elections.”
President Jonathan and First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan
President Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo
Governor Goodswill Akpabio shows support for President Jonathan
The President and his First Lady were all smiles during the event and were even caught by the cameras stealing a quick embrace as they walked around appreciating everyone who came out to support.In attendance were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Governor of Akwa Ibom, Governor Goodswill Akpabio, Footballers Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo amongst many other dignitaries. The event was held under tight security.
President and the First Lady steal quick embrace
Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwakwo lend their support
Eagles Square packed with Loyal (Or maybe Hired) Supporters
Despite the Yobe bombing a day earlier, the President still went on with the declaration ceremony. There are also speculations that supporters were hired for the official declaration ceremony. The alleged ‘Hired Supporters’ have expressed their anger over non-payment of the agreed #2000 per head fee and have gone all out to stage a protest. Some of these people had to travel long distances and arrived the venue as early as 7am. There have not been any statement made as regards this allegation but people as well as opposition party All Progressive Congress (APC) have condemned these actions.
Photo from Buhari’s Declaration
The All Progressive Congress party have also gone ahead to compare the crowd at President Jonathan’s declaration with that of Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration. “During Bahuari’s declaration, there was no space to stand and despite the ridiculous amount spent to hire people for Jonathan’s declaration ceremony, it still looks empty. Its a clear indication that Jonathan is on his own. Muhammadu Buhari of the APC declared at the same Eagles square and there was no space for people to even stand. No one was given a kobo to attend, but yesterday, Nigerians embarrassed Goodluck Jonathan and PDP even with financial inducement”. This was what they had to say.
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