2019: Real reason Ezekwesili dropped presidential ambition

FORMER presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, on Friday gave more insight into why she withdrew from the race.

Contained in a statement signed by her, she unearthed that one of the key reasons that triggered her withdrawal from the presidential race as well as her exit from the ACPN, was the divergence of values and visions within the party.

Dr Ezekwesili stressed that the ACPN’s vision was contrary to her’s which was focused on mobilising citizens to disrupt the old order of politics of the APC/PDP.

She, however, informed that upon realising this, she decided to discontinue her membership of the party.

According to her, “the values and vision divergence with the party was a key factor that triggered my withdrawal from the presidential race on their ticket prompting me to dissociate immediately in order to help build a coalition for Good Governance.

“It is why I was instant in sacrificing my candidacy to uphold my values by withdrawing”.

Reacting, the ACPN condemned Ezekwesili, saying that her presidential aspiration was not real in the first instance.

The party, also alleged that she only wanted to use the platform to negotiate to become Finance Minister.

National Chairman of the party, Mr Gani Galadima in his words said, ” the reason for calling this press conference is to let the world know about the presidential aspiration of Dr Oby Ezekwesili which in actual fact, is not the truth.

“She only wanted to use the platform of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) to negotiate to be Nigeria’s finance minister”.

Speaking further, he hinted that the party had withdrawn its support for her and thereafter, endorsed the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari, who they believe would take the nation to the next level.

Ezekwesili, who is currently outside the country, as learnt, denied all the allegations, saying there was no iota of truth in them.

She added that when she returns, she would hold a World Press Conference to give details of the actions she would take going forward.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it is too late for her to withdraw as the presidential candidate of the ACPN.

According to Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the last day for withdrawal or replacement of candidates, was November 17, 2018.