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Former presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, has apologised for what she described as an error of judgement in joining the party in her bid to become president.
Dr Ezekwesili tendered an apology while addressing a world press conference in Abuja on Monday.
“It has been an interesting one week since I made the tough but necessary decision to suspend my campaign for the presidency,” she was quoted as saying on Twitter. “I have been truly overwhelmed by the reactions to my announcement from Nigerians.”
She added, “I ask for the forgiveness and understanding of all who are hurt by my withdrawal from the race even as I take comfort in the fact that they would agree with my choosing to stand with my values rather than compromise.”
“Thank you to the young people who accepted and owned our campaign, to the women – my sisters and comrades – who worked and walked with me, to every believer and supporter from different tribes, states, religions and walks of life.”
The former minister said the accusation of fraud levelled against her by the party were laughable and alien to her character.
According to her, members of the ACPN were frustrated with her because they assumed being a former minister, she would have money stashed away or would use her global network to raise money for the party.
“One of the more laughable moments of the past week was hearing allegations that my presidential candidacy was a scheme to negotiate for a ministerial role. This is the height of political comedy, I must say,” she stated.
Ezekwesili disclosed further that her party card and other ACPN belongings in her possession have been returned to the party.
She said she was concerned about the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that she cannot withdraw from the presidential race less than 45 days to the elections.
She thanked her campaign team, noting that they would be getting some much-needed rest after the struggle.
The former presidential candidate said, “Here are the facts that speak for themselves. Since I resigned as a cabinet minister in 2007, it is known that I have declined offers by different governments to serve as a minister again.”
“Why would I then go through the pains of launching a presidential campaign to negotiate for a role I last occupied twelve years ago and have thrice rejected since after?” she questioned.
Ezekwesili added, “Such mud-raking tactics is the reason why our best minds abstain from offering themselves up for political office thus leaving the worst of us to lead the rest.
“More hilarious was the accusation that I raised and looted campaign donations. It is only morally bankrupt politics that can make anyone even imagine such accusation against me.
“My absolute dedication to public accountability is widely known and no matter how much we had hoped to raise as campaign support from the public we designed an accounting system to go beyond the basic minimum of accountability required by the Electoral Act.”
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