The Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) on Friday adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate for this year’s general elections.

The adoption took place at the party’s national convention in Lagos, where it elected its new national officers led Dr. Frederick Fasehun, just as it expelled five of its former leaders.

The convention was attended by party leaders and faithful from across the country, including the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos, Mrs. Dupe Abiola-Onitiri, one of the wives of the late MKO Abiola.

Speaking on the adoption, Dr. Fasehun, UPN National Chairman, said that the party was new and needed time to take roots in all parts of the country, hence the decision to back Jonathan in the coming election.

“We are still a young party and that is why we are not fielding a presidential candidate. We have asked our members who we are to support. We felt their pulse and it was moving in a particular direction.

“Allowing President Jonathan to continue in office for another four-year term will allow for the maturation of his infrastructural and socio-economic programmes, as well as guarantee continuity in developing policies, which a new government may likely abort.

“We are not confused about those we know that do not deserve our votes and our precious support. “Therefore, the UPN will support President Goodluck Jonathan in next month’s election. We have endorsed him as our candidate. The national convention hereby resolves that all UPN structures and members nationwide will work for President Jonathan’s success,” he said.

Adapted from Saturday Tribune