President Goodluck Jonathan Ebele Jonathan minutes ago ended speculations abouit his political future by publicly declaring his intention to vie for re-election during the 2015 presidential ballot.

Jonathan, who was earlier adopted as the candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declared at the Eagle Square, Abuja, amidst applause by a sea of his supporters from the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

Accompanied by his wife, Dame Patience (Mama Peace) and several PDP stalwarts, Dr. Jonathan arrived Eagle Square at exactly 11:35 a.m. and immediately proceeded on a tour of the venue, waving at his elated supporters.

The former university teacher, who has been in power since May 2010 – first in acting capacity and then as elected President from May 29, 2011 – mounted the podium at 1:26 p.m. upon being invited by Vice President Namadi Sambo and declared at exactly 2:05 p.m. He hinged his decision to seek re-election on his desire “to continue the conversation of development” started by his administration by means of its transformation agenda if Nigerians renew his mandate. He promised Nigerians a new dawn, including the eradication of corruption and bringing to justice those perpetrating corruption.

The event locked down the Eagle Square axis, with the police diverting vehicular traffic up to 5km radius, causing excruciating traffic jam in the capital city.

Jonathan’s declaration came a day after scores of innocent students were killed by a suicide bomber at a secondary school in the north-eastern city of Potiskum in Yobe State, even as over 200 female students abducted on April 14 in Chibok in neighbouring Borno State remained in custody of the terrorists, who have lately over-awed the Nigerian military in several north-eastern towns now occupied Boko Haram.

Jonathan in his declaration speech honoured the murdered Yobe students with a minute’s silence and assured that the Chibok girls would be rescued while the war against terror would be won. He also promised continued support for victims of terror.

•Photo shows President Jonathan speaking at a political rally.

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