President Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, on the Africa Independence Television (AIT) live discussion programme, answering questions on politics, conceded that the opposition was stronger for him today than 2011, but expressed confidence that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was still stronger and would emerge victorious in the coming election.

The president observed that it was people from the PDP that gave the opposition the strength it currently enjoyed, saying if the PDP elements were to leave the opposition, they would crumble like a pack of cards.

The president gave reasons he should be re-elected, listing some of his administration’s numerous achievements in the different sectors, including roads, power, transport, aviation, as he added that if given the chance, he would consolidate on them in the next four years.

He said when re-elected, he would make deliberate efforts to better communicate government’s activities to the people to carry them along in a better manner.

Jonathan stated: “I agree with you it was easier in 2011, but PDP is still the dominant party. There is no polling unit in Nigeria, where you don’t have members of the PDP.

“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.”

He added: “Even the opposition will tell you. Who strengthened the opposition? Are not the PDP elements? If you remove the PDP election 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 was stoned? Why do you show that aggression? If you are comfortable, you will not do that.”

Speaking on why this election may be more difficult, he added: “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.

In spite of that, he said “PDP still has an edge over the opposition.”

Source: TRIBUNE