Why Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba Was Absent At APC Convention-Brother

Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, the older brother of the former Minister of State for Education and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Emeka Nwajiuba, has explained why his brother did not attend the APC convention at the Eagles Square in Abuja.

The ex-minister, despite paying N100 million for the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms, was absent at the party’s Convention on Tuesday, when other 22 aspirants gathered for the presidential primary.

His absence came as a surprise to many, as he was one of the first ministers to resign from the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration after the President directed public office holders with 2023 ambition to resign their positions last month.

Prof Nwajiuba, who said he had been overwhelmed by calls over the absence of the ex-Minister of State Education, disclosed that the understanding was that the party would zone the ticket to the South, then South-East and that the candidate would emerge via consensus.

Besides, he said Chukwuemeka does not want to be associated with the “Dollar and Naira Bazaar” that the Convention turned out to be and had to excuse himself.

The statement reads in part, “Many friends are calling to find out why my brother, Dr Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, did not come out to address the APC convention.

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“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 southeast.

“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.”