I’m still in PDP, says Jonathan, decries post-election litigation

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he has not dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, for the ruling All Progressives Congress.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, declaring that he was still a member of the PDP, describing the party “as a friend that carries people along.”

Jonathan spoke at a thanksgiving service of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, held at the State Ecumenical Centre, Yenagoa.

He said, “The PDP has been a very friendly party. I am a member of PDP and I know from the beginning till today, it has been a very friendly party. PDP is a party that carries everybody along.” Also read: PDP cautions FG against fuel price increase

The former President also noted that post-election litigation in Nigeria was hampering smooth governance and urged political leaders in the state to resolve differences that arise from elections instead of allowing aggrieved parties to go to court.

He said that the litany of litigation that followed the November 16, 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State really hampered governance in the state.

He however stated that it was better to go to court than resort to undemocratic means of seeking redress.

“The number of cases that got to the Supreme Court shows that democracy is still very okay.

“In Nigeria, as you are preparing for election, you are also preparing for court cases. And it is not the right thing to do.

“Leaders of Bayelsa must come up and take some responsibilities. I believe that politicians are becoming a little rascally. Leaders should step in and take charge whenever things are getting out of hand.

“When certain things are getting out of hand, we should settle it. As the election approaches I encourage the leaders to play their role. Subsequently we should know when election starts and when it ends.

“Somebody will serve for four to eight years and another person will take over. We should not kill ourselves,” Jonathan added.