The All Progressives Congress (APC) says joining the ruling party does not translate to automatic ticket for any decampee.
John Akpanudoedehe, national secretary of the APC caretaker committee, had in a chat with Channels TV on Wednesday, said ex-President Goodluck Jonathan will be allowed to contest for presidency in 2023 if he joins the party.
His comments had sparked speculation that the former president had secretly joined the ruling party and would be given the party’s presidential ticket come 2023.
Clarifying his initial comment, Akpanudoedehe, in a statement on Friday, said: “The APC National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution of 8th December 2020 approved the granting of waivers to persons who have recently joined the party and those desirous of joining the party in the nearest future to contest for positions in the APC and as party flag bearers in general elections,” the statement reads.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Also Read: I Would Have Voted For Jonathan To Be stoned; Aisha Yesufu
“For the records, in my recent television interview reaction to the rumoured plans by former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the APC, my statement was that NEC resolution was a blanket waiver to all new APC entrants, including the interviewee.
“The waiver is definitely not specific to anyone as being misconstrued and misrepresented in some sections.
“Coming into the party gives no one special status of being an automatic party candidate in any election. All aspirants must undergo the nomination processes outlined by the APC constitution.”