Less than a year before the Nigerian presidential elections, President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that a different government and leadership would be installed in the country come 2015.
President Jonathan made this statement while delivering a speech at a “Democracy Day” church service held on May 25, Sunday, in Abuja, a statement many believe would catch his allies, foes and watchers of his administration by surprise.
Prior to Jonathan’s speech, the head of the Nigeria Pilgrims Commission, Reverend John Kennedy Opara, had told the gathering that this year's Democracy Day would be the last to be celebrated by Mr. Jonathan.
* President Jonathan may have withdrawn his candidacy for next year's presidency
Sahara Reporters reports that when it was the president’s turn to speak, he assured Nigerians that the Democracy Day event was the last for his current administration.
A PDP official who was at the event told newsmen that he was mystified by the statements. He said he had no advance notice about the president’s remarks, and so was in no position to interpret its political meaning.
It is still unknown if the two statements are indications that the Nigerian president had decided not to seek a second term in office in general elections scheduled for next year.
Mr. Jonathan continues to face criticism both in Nigeria and abroad for his dismal performance since he assumed office more than five years ago.
Among those that attended the church service included the Senate President David Mark, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, and some military chiefs. The president’s wife, Patience Jonathan, as well as his mother were also in attendance.
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