2015: Balewa officially steps down for Jonathan

Balewa announced his withdrawal from the race at the party’s national secretariat last night where he faced the presidential screening panel raised by the national leadership of the party.
“I have decided to withdraw my aspiration for the strength and well-being of the party. I wish to see you all some other time. I am a strong PDP member and I will continue to be strong to ensure success of the party,” he said.
However, when Daily Trust sought to know why Balewa has withdrawn from the race after spending N22 million on expression of interest and nomination forms, the aspirant declined comment.
Balewa who arrived the national secretariat of the party at about 4:32 pm spent about two hours waiting at the reception before he was later ushered into the screening hall.
Addressing newsmen after the screening exercise last night, chairman of the panel, Senator Ahmadu Ali said both President Jonathan and Balewa are “eminently qualified” for the position of president but stressed that Balewa has withdrawn in the interest of the party.