By 
Safiu Kehinde
African Democratic Congress Presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, has submitted to the uncertainty surrounding his chance of winning 2023 Presidential election as he admitted to having no pathway to victory.
The Presidential candidate made this known in a Press Statement issued earlier today, stressing that he was forced to accept the sad reality as Nigerians decides in 48 hours, a new President to take the wheel of the country’s leadership.
While commending the support and loyalty of his running mate, Ahmed Buhari, Kachikwu also appreciated the State Chairman of the party and other members who saw to the stability of the party, particularly during Ralph Nwosu’s attempt to destabilize it alongside his cohorts.
“When I embarked on this journey a year ago, I started with what I called My Opening Argument and promised to end my campaign with My Closing Argument. I believed then that my final argument would be a pitch on why you should vote for me but alas as we prepare to vote in the next 48hrs, I am forced to accept the sad reality that there is no pathway towards victory for Ahmed and I.
“ I will therefore make a different argument today and it is the case for a Nigeria that works for everyone. Before I do this, I would like to thank Ahmed for not only agreeing to run with me but for his dedication and total loyalty. I went looking for a VP and found a brother. I want to thank our wives, Ikeme and Maryam, who have been tolerant, supportive and patient.
“They endured a lot of sleepless nights hearing us strategize on how to stop Ralph Nwosu and his gang from selling us out. Ahmed and I would like to thank our mummy, Senator Mrs. Patricia Akwashiki, the State Chairmen of our party, candidates and party members who stood by the constitution of our party and refused to sell out. Doing the right thing is never easy. They all did what was right even in the face of being expelled from the party or losing their tickets.
“There are those who sold out and it speaks to their character. Whenever you see any candidate running on the platform of one party and promoting the candidate of another party, then you know someone who lacks character. They seek shortcuts. They want to get into office at any and all costs, but they have failed the first test of leadership, which is loyalty. We must never support or vote such candidates into office. Don’t let them deceive you. If they can betray their parties, they will betray the public trust.” The statement read.
In what he described as his “closing argument”, Kachikwu speculated on the possibility of APC Presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, winning the poll if People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party fails to garner support from other smaller parties.
Labelling the Buhari-led administration as the toughest period for Nigerians since independence, Kachikwu stressed that current hardship and cash crunch experienced in the country is an undue advantage for the ruling party, APC, as supporters of opposition parties are unlikely to exercise their democratic franchise due to the cash constraints.
“Outside of the Nigerian Civil War, the last eight years under the APC Government has been the toughest period ever for Nigerians since Independence. As President Buhari prepares to handover, he is unleashing more pain and misery on Nigerians with the misguided recolouring of the Naira.
“He and his advisers believe that this would limit the undue advantage that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has with a huge war chest to buy over voters. What they have inadvertently done is make it easier for the APC candidate as millions of voters will be unable to exercise their democratic franchise because of cash constraints. Most of those affected by this will be the Labour Party supporters.
“The odds therefore favour the APC Government to continue in power. How you might ask? It is very simple. The APC structure that brought in Buhari eight years ago still brought him back four years ago even though most Nigerians were united in saying he wouldn’t come back.
“Today the PDP, which is the main opposition party has been successfully divided into three; PDP, Labour Party and G5. APC supporters across the country remain intact and are fully committed to ensuring their candidate wins the Presidential elections.
“ candidates of the two leading parties followed by the Labour Party candidate all have one thing in common and that is their previous stints in public service. The APC and PDP candidates have been accused of using that opportunity to create access, opportunities and wealth for family, friends and supporters while the Labour candidate is said to have only catered to his family.” The statement read further.
While empathizing with Nigerians as regards the current situation, Kachikwu urged the citizens to avoid voting based on religion or tribalism.
He, however, claimed he has not stepped down in the Presidential race, stressing that he remain committed to the betterment of the country.
*My Dear Nigerians, as you vote, please vote Nigeria before religion and tribe. Vote Nigeria above pecuniary gain. Vote Nigeria above all other considerations because Nigeria remains the only nation we have.
“Whichever way the pendulum swings, I assure Nigerians that Ahmed and I remain committed to nation building. We will devote our time and resources towards deepening our democratic culture and practices. Our voices will not relent nor weaken in speaking and advocating for the Nigerian masses. We love you all.
“Till we meet again, I wish you all well. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you all.
“My dear friends in the the media. Thank you for all your support and encouragement. Please let me reiterate that my statement doesn’t say or imply that I have quit. It simply means that I have no pathway to victory. It is also important for me to let my supporters know our realistic chances. Thank you and God bless.” Kachikwu added.
