Nigerian President Jonathan wins party primary

Abuja, 14 Jan – (ANA) - Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has won ruling party primaries, making him favourite in April's elections.

Jonathan's main challenger was ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who was supported by some northern powerbrokers.

The president won an overwhelming victory even though some delegates said the party should choose a northerner.

The People's Democratic Party candidate has won every poll since the end of military rule in 1999.

However, most of its victories have been marred by widespread fraud and violence.

This is the first election Mr Jonathan has won. As vice-president, he became leader after the death of elected President Umaru Yar'Adua in May last year.

And he also stepped up to take charge of his home state of Bayelsa when the governor was impeached on corruption charges.

Nevertheless, he won 2,736 votes compared to Mr Abubakar's 805. A third candidate, Sarah Jibril gained a single vote.

Correspondents say the margin of his victory was a huge surprise, with several central and northern states backing Mr Jonathan, a southerner.

"The People's Democratic Party has spoken with one strong voice," Mr Jonathan said in his acceptance speech, wearing a trademark fedora hat and black traditional robe.

"Our people have chosen the unity of our country above all other considerations."

A spokesman for Mr Abubakar complained of irregularities in the vote.

His supporters had accused Mr Jonathan's allies of threatening to "fish out" anyone who votes against the president. (ANA)

FA/ANA/14 January 2011--------