The Opposition is now stronger than in 2011 – Jonathan admits

President Goodluck Jonathan has finally admitted that the opposition in Nigeria are now stronger than they were in 2011. But he claims that this is so, because those who defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gave the opposition the strength it currently enjoys.

Acknowledging that the opposition was stronger now than in 2011, he said, “I agree with you, it was easier (in 2011), but PDP is still the dominant party.

“Yes, for one reason or the other, within the party people get angry and may even vote against PDP, but in terms of membership of the PDP, there is no party that has that spread. So, PDP still has the most formidable structure. PDP has better chances of winning a national election. Even the opposition will tell you, if they are realistic. Who has strengthened the opposition?

Are they not the PDP elements? If you remove the PDP elements from the opposition, they will just crumble like a pack of cards.

“Why are people aggressive towards the PDP to the extent that even the presidential convoy is stoned? Why do you show that aggression? If you are comfortable, you will not do that.”

Speaking when he appeared on an Africa Independent Television (AIT) live programme, Kaakaki, in Abuja, Jonathan also declared that the secondary school girls abducted in Chibok, Borno State last April, who have spent close to a year in Boko Haram captivity, were still alive and would be rescued soon.

Speaking on why the election may be difficult, the president said, “Globally, it is more challenging for a president to secure a second term than the first tenure, because people get disappointed when their expectations are not quickly met by those they voted for.”