A FORMER minister of state for education and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant Emeka Nwajiuba did not attend the party’s presidential primary election at the Eagle Square in Abuja on Tuesday.
The former minister, who was regarded as one of the key contestants from the South-East, was visibly absent at the convention.
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Giving reasons for the development, his brother, Chinedu Nwajiuba, said leaders of the party at the top level reneged on an agreement and understanding that informed the former minister’s engagement in the presidential project.
According to the former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Alike, Ebonyi State, Nwajiuba reached an understanding at the highest levels of the party from the onset, considering his pivotal role in the founding of the APC.
The ICIR observed that when Nwajiuba was called to come out to address the APC convention, he was not available.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, Chinedu Nwajiuba said the leadership of the party betrayed his brother.
“Many friends are calling to find out why my brother, Dr Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba did not come out to address the APC convention.
“Simple. The understanding from the highest levels prior to his involvement, and considering his role in the founding of the APC, was that of consensus as was with the national chairmanship a few months ago.
“With that understanding, the presidential ticket was to come to the South, and the South-East.
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“This has been the hope till the end of the negotiations. He, not wanting to be part of the dollar and naira bazaar, is convinced that what Nigeria needs now is no more of the same thing that has kept Nigeria at the low level it has been.
“Our challenges as a country cannot be addressed at the same energy level by which they were created,” the former minister’s brother said.
A reporter with the ICIR
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