Former Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has stated that he has no plans to join another party to contest political position ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria made this known in a statement he signed on Monday, which was obtained by The PUNCH on Tuesday.
Moghalu was responding to calls from his supporters to seek another platform to serve the country and rejoin the 2023 presidential contest.
Moghalu’s determination to lead the country hit the rock in Abeokuta during ADC’s primary recently where Kachikwu Dumebi Kachikwu scored 977 leaving the former candidate of the Young Progressives Party in the 2019 election with 589.
Following his defeat, Moghalu resigned from the party.
Amid calls to contest again, Moghalu said, “Many political associates, supporters and other Nigerians have wondered over the past couple of weeks what my next steps will be since I resigned from my membership of the African Democratic Congress on grounds of principle after the party’s recent presidential primaries.
“I have reflected carefully on this question, considering the emerging dynamics of the presidential contest, the larger picture beyond my individual aspiration, and family considerations. My conclusions and guidance for my teeming supporters across the country.”
He revealed that the calls transcend beyond his supporters within the ADC fold to the major political parties.
Moghalu added, “Invitations extended to me by a number of other political parties to still be presented as a presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections on their party platforms notwithstanding, I have opted not to be a candidate in this electoral cycle. My campaign was always based on a vision for our country as set out in my manifesto book Build, Innovate and Grow (BIG), and a desire to serve, not on any inordinate personal ambition. Nevertheless, I am humbled by the recognition of the strength and impact of my political brand in our country today by the parties that invited me to take their ticket.
“At this time, I have no plans to become a member of any other political party for the purpose of the 2023 general elections. However, I intend to remain keenly engaged in our country’s immediate future, including the elections, with contributions that are appropriate and could be helpful to nation-building.”
He further revealed the kind of candidate his supporters should vote for, saying, “To my supporters who already have tickets from party primaries to contest for down-ballot electoral offices under the ADC, you have my full support for your electoral races and my prayers for your victory. To those who held tickets but resigned from the party in solidarity with me, and who still wish to contest elections, there are alternative avenues that can be explored.
“For those supporters and the general public who had intended to vote for me as a presidential candidate in the general elections had I emerged as one, I ask you to cast your support and ballot in the 2023 election to the candidate that comes closest to our shared vision of a Nigeria that is secured, united, and prosperous. The best chance to achieve this vision is under transformative leadership that represents a break from the old political order.
“A better Nigeria is possible. The journey to bring this vision into reality is a most urgent and essential one. Our children must experience a tomorrow that is much better than our today.”
