Sam Ohuabunwa
PDP Presidential primary: ‘Money was the exclusive factor for delegates,’ Ohuabunwa alleges
Dust is yet to settle on last Saturday’s Presidential Primary election of the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s candidate, as one the aspirants, Sam Ohuabunwa has alleged that money was ‘the exclusive factor’ for delegates in determining the winner of the poll conducted during the Presidential Special Convention in Abuja.
Ohuabunwa who further alleged that four candidates in the election were behind the dollar spending spree to lure the delegates’ votes, said money was the deciding factor the latter.
In his ‘Thank You Message’ to supporters, Nigerians, and members of the New Nigeria Group (NNG), Ohuabunwa, the immediate past President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), said aspirants doled out $10, 000, $15, 000 and $20, 000 to party delegates to win their votes, as he further admitted that; ‘We were aware that money would be a factor, but we had hoped it would not be the exclusive factor.’
“Dear new Nigerians, I wish to begin by thanking God for bringing us safely to the conclusion of another stage in our patriotic mission to birth a new Nigeria – that will be a globally competitive first-world nation that works for all.
“Though we did not achieve our interim goal to be the presidential candidate of the PDP in the forthcoming elections, most people including enlightened PDP members acknowledge that we brought a breadth of fresh air to political campaigns.
“It is clear that the effect of money was overwhelming in the choice made by the delegates. It was also clear that the delegates could not resist the lure of 20,000, 15000, and 10,000 dollars offered by the four leading contestants. We were aware that money would be a factor, but we had hoped it would not be the exclusive factor.
“Let me state that I am not discouraged at all. I believe that we fought a good battle and achieved tangible and intangible results. Nigerians and the international community are now acutely aware of what we represent.
“I intend to remain active and visible for the rest of the campaign season leading to the 2023 elections. For now, we will remain in the PDP until the Lord directs otherwise.
“Let me also confirm that the NNG movement will remain active until our vision is accomplished. So it does not matter how this present struggle ends, NNG will have a perpetual existence until we birth the New Nigeria of our dreams.
“I wish to thank all the foundation members of this movement, the steering committee, the PAC, the fundraising committee, the Publicity Committee, the third force committee, and all other committees. I wish to thank all the officers of both NNG and MSO 2023 Campaign Team, from coordinators to directors, deputy directors and the DDG, the Chief of Staff, media aides, etc.
“I cannot end this address without putting on record, the extraordinary sacrifice made by our Diaspora members, particularly the NNG-USA to support our campaign by repeatedly raising funds. Certainly, the story would have been different without their love, sacrifice, and consistency.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we just finished a page of the book; we have not come to the end of the book. The NNG vision remains alive and relevant. And we cannot stop until the vision and mission are accomplished.
“May God bless all members of NNG, MSO 2023, all our supporters, and all those who have contributed in one way or the other to get us to this historic point.
“But all Glory, honour, and adoration are reserved exclusively to our great and mighty God, who alone brought us this far and who will certainly take us to the expected end. God bless,” the message read.
Atiku Abubakar polled 371 votes to defeat his closest contender, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who polled 237 votes in the primary election concluded last Saturday.
Ohuabunwa polled just one vote.
