2015 Election: PDP Screens Jonathan, Tafawa Balewa

The Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday screened President Goodluck Jonathan and Dr. Abdul-Jhalil Tafawa-Balewa for the party’s primary for the 2015 presidential race.

President Jonathan, who was first to arrive the national headquarters of the party in Abuja where the screening took place, came with his deputy, Namadi Sambo; some ministers and a few of his aides.

Also in the entourage were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha.

The screening committee, headed by a former National Chairman of the party, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, grilled the President between 3.15pm and 4.15pm.

Other members of the committee are a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN); Alhaji Yerima Abdullahi, Bashir Dalhatu, Walin Dutse, Chief Jim Nwobodo, Prof. Stella Atoe, Chief Jibrin Martins Kuye, Ms. Saudatu Sani, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, while Chief Olusola Oke serves as secretary.

Though the President didn’t speak with journalists after he came out of the building, it was however gathered that the committee demanded originals of his membership card, proof of his financial contributions to the party, educational qualifications and tax clearance certificate.

The committee also demanded the same items from Balewa.

Though wife of late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, Akasoba Duke-Abiola paid for the form, she was said not to have collected it and did not appear before the screening Panel.

Meanwhile, after Dr. Balewa had spent 90 minutes with the screening committee, he came out and declared: “I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the strength and well being of the party.

“I hope to see you all some other time. I am a strong PDP member.”

Balewa, who arrived the secretariat at about 4:32p.m., spent about two hours waiting at the reception before he was ushered into the screening hall.

Chairman of the screening committee and former National Chairman of PDP, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, who had earlier announced Balewa’s decision to withdraw from the race, hailed the aspirant’s decision.

Ali said: “After going through 90 minutes that 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.”

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, told newsmen that the leadership of the party would get the result of the exercise in the next 24 hours.