A frontline presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress and former Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, says 3,150 Nigerians raised money to purchase his N100 million Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.
This is even as he narrated how a local farmer in Nasarawa brought him 150 yams to sell as part of his contribution to procure the forms.
Nwajiuba made the revelation while debunking report making the rounds that his presidential campaign was sponsored by some oil moguls.
The outgoing minister was the first cabinet member in the administration of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to resign his appointment on May 10 to concentrate on his political campaign.
He said, “I am not saying I can buy. I am not sponsored by the oil industry. So the only people who can sponsor me are Nigerians. About 3150 people made contributions and we bought these forms. Almost all my supporters are above my age. I have members of the House of Representatives from 1992 who endorsed me even before they contribute money.
“Some paid N1,000 while one farmer from Nasarawa gave me 150 yams to sell and raise money for my campaign. People are investing thinking that there may be a new Nigeria.”
He also stressed that Nigerian politicians operate on the basis of monetised politics.
“I agree that we have a monetised politics but I can assure you that we have an elected Buhari who didn’t have money. I am only presenting myself for you to choose from.
“I know that if Nigerians are willing, once my party selects me, APC will be speaking to 90 per cent of the demographics of Nigeria, speaking to the 70 per cent who are below 50 and who believe it’s possible to vote for somebody who is 55 is hope for them.
“Right now Nigerians are sure this is where they can get the most efficacious drug (leader) and this is what I am providing. I know that that is what I am up to and that is what APC will be offering Nigerians if they take me as their candidate,” he said.
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