Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has joined the race to clinch the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket, consulting with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties.
His media office stated on Sunday that the minister had been consulting stakeholders in his Ain the APC and stalwarts of opposition parties.
He is scheduled to declare his intention on April 19 publicly. The media office added that Mr Ngige explained consulting opposition political parties when he addressed his supporters at Amansea, a border town with Enugu, after visiting Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The statement quoted the minister to have said:
I visited Enugu state governor as part of my nationwide consultation. Even though he is in PDP, he is an Igbo man. He is a very realistic, discerning person. Don’t forget also that Enugu is the capital of the former Eastern Region. And you know that respect is reciprocal.
Over the week, I also consulted some other Nigerians not allied to any political party. Therefore, I had to consult the Enugu state governor over my intention to contest and to seek his views too. He told me to kick the ball into the net.
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Ngige also mentioned his presidential ambition “is not for APC members alone.”
The labour minister stressed:
Our brothers in PDP are easily agreed that I tower above some of the persons aspiring to the position in their party. I have no fear whatsoever. I am equal to the task. Even our brothers in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will join us in the task ahead.
He said he would turn Nigeria around as he did in Anambra when he was the governor.
Mr Ngige claimed:
What we did in Anambra in 34 months, those who did eight years have not done them. I did 34 months, during which I laid the foundation for the new Anambra. I didn’t just lay the foundation; I also took the house beyond the lintel level.
I’m well equipped for the job. I plan to re-engineer Nigeria the way I re-engineered Anambra. April 19 is the date. Let all roads lead to Alor, where the matter will be laid to rest.
