PDP National Convention: Ortom Meets with Jonathan to Lobby for Support

Strategic Insights -

Ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) National Convention on May 28-29, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has met with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. The 40-minute closed-door meeting aimed to strengthen the PDP family ahead of the 2023 general elections. However, sources suggest that Ortom's real intention was to lobby Jonathan to attend the PDP National Convention and work for the party during the elections.

The meeting comes amidst reports that Jonathan is considering running for president in 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite denying the reports, Jonathan's recent meeting with APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has fueled speculation.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee, David Mark, has inspected the Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) Stadium in Abuja, the planned venue of the convention. The stadium was chosen over Eagle Square, which the APC has already paid to use for their own event.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Samuel Ortom has met with former President Goodluck Jonathan to lobby him to attend the PDP National Convention and work for the party during the 2023 general elections.
  • The meeting was attended by Ortom's Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, and lasted for 40 minutes.
  • Sources close to the party suggest that Jonathan is considering running for president in 2023 on the platform of the APC, despite denying the reports.
  • Chairman of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee, David Mark, has inspected the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, the planned venue of the convention.
  • The PDP has extended the dates for party congresses/primaries, with the revised schedule including State House of Assembly - May 21, House of Representatives - May 22, Senate - May 23, and Governorship - May 25.
  • The party's presidential primary election date is yet to be announced.

Statistics:

  • 40 minutes: The duration of the meeting between Governor Samuel Ortom and former President Goodluck Jonathan.
  • 7000: The capacity of the Velodrome at the MKO Abiola Stadium, which has been chosen as the venue for the PDP National Convention.
  • 10 days: The time remaining until the PDP National Convention, which will hold on May 28-29.
  • 16th May 2022: The date of the letter sent by the PDP to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting an extension of the dates for party congresses/primaries.
  • 4,000: The expected number of delegates who will participate in the PDP National Convention.

Sources:

  • Ortom meets Jonathan in Abuja, Blueprint, May 24, 2022
  • PDP shifts dates for congresses, primaries, Blueprint, May 17, 2022
  • PDP extends dates for congresses, primaries, Vanguard, May 16, 2022