By Praise Necherem
A former governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Afam Ezenwafor, has refuted bribery allegations in connection with his withdrawal from the party, insisting he did not receive money from anyone.
Ezenwafor disclosed this at a press briefing while officially announcing himself as the governorship candidate of National Rescue Movement (NRM) in the November 6 poll.
He said that nobody forced him or gave him any inducement to leave the ADC and noted that selling his mandate to another aspirant would amount to betrayal of trust and confidence reposed in him by the people of the state and therefore urged Anambrarians to disregard such allegations.
He said, “It may interest you to know that my withdrawal from the party primary was predicted on privy information and due diligence. I became mindful that whatever that killed the mother hen will not allow the chicks to open their eyes.
“I wish to state that nobody gave me money, nor did I receive money from anyone to withdraw from the party’s primary. Everyone should please disregard the rumor by handiwork of detractors targeted at tarnishing my image and truncating my governorship aspiration.”
The self-declared gubernatorial candidate further explained that his joining NRM followed wide consultation with major political actors and other relevant stakeholders in the state, stressing that his mission was to rescue the state from immediate collapse.
He also said his decision to join the NRM was informed by the party’s crisis-free disposition, expressing confidence in winning the election under the platform.
“NRM has visibly demonstrated to be a political party that accommodates and encourages the youths to participate actively in the leadership recruitment process and politics. While most political parties have introduced financial barriers and watered down the essence of the Not Too Young To Run Act, the NRM launched the Not Too Poor To Run philosophy to consolidate the gains of the Act.
“This is the time for youths to take over leadership and reposition the state. I therefore call on every young person in schools, markets, on the streets and all works of life to rise up to the occasion and join the movement.”