How PDP Ex-Chairman Made Jonathan Concede Defeat

President Goodluck Jonathan has become a hero in Nigeria and beyond for his admittance of defeat by the All Progressive Congress Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, in the March 28th polls.  However, the man behind this heroic action of Jonathan is the former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmadu Ali.

 

It was gathered that even though results from the fields had indicated that Buhari was enjoying a comfortable lead, the PDP chief were undaunted following their conviction that the election was characterised by irregularities in the North and South, and were preparing to launch a showdown with the opposition. Sources said it was the party’s belief that given the high incidence of alleged under-age voting in the North and purported disenfranchisement in the South West, the outcome of the exercise might not have stood the test of time, should they go ahead to press for redress. This notion, it was gathered, was what most of the party chieftains in Abuja had while the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Attahiru Jega, was announcing results from the states on Tuesday. But, the President and Ali thought otherwise, as they considered what would happen to the nation if he (Jonathan) had refused to accept defeat.
  Consequently, a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) and campaign organisation of the party, was summoned at the instance of Ali. At the meeting, which was well attended, it was learnt that the unfolding situation was reviewed, leading to Ali’s counsel for the PDP to concede defeat. That resulted in the now famous congratulatory phone call the President made to Buhari at little past 5.pm on Tuesday. The timing, a presidency source said, was made for so many reasons, including among others, the need to douse tension on both sides and to get the All Progressives Congress (APC) focus on transition than politicking. The former PDP chairman was also said to have helped create a synergy between the Villa and the Campaign Directorate. Alongside other party leaders like Tony Anenih, Ali reportedly ensured that the campaign directorate did not derail from its focus. Reliable sources at the presidency confirmed the story, but added that the action of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, also accounted for the reason Jonathan admitted the defeat.


Source : Nigerianmonitor