'I Can't Win' - Dumebi Kachikwu Surrenders, Seeks LP-PDP Alliance

Dumebi Kachikwu, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says he is forced to accept the sad reality that he cannot win.

The presidential election is billed to take place across the country on Saturday, February 25.

On February 20, TheCable reported that the interim leadership of the ADC blamed Ralph Nwosu, the national chair who was recently removed by a court, for being responsible for actions of aggrieved factions destabilising the party.

Prior to this, some chieftains of the party led by Nwosu declared their support for Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), while another faction endorsed Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Similarly, Biyi Otegbeye, governorship candidate of ADC in Ogun state, declared his support for Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, Kachikwu said although there is no hope of him clinching the presidential seat, he will not quit the race.

“I am forced to accept the sad reality that there is no pathway towards victory for Ahmed and me,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“I will, therefore, make a different argument today and it is the case for a Nigeria that works for everyone.”

Kachikwu, however, commended the acceptance of Obi by the youths, adding that to defeat the ruling party at the polls, LP and the PDP must form a formidable partnership.

“As true democrats, the leadership of both the PDP and Labour Party must find a way to work with the other smaller parties towards building a formidable coalition that ensures that the contest is even,’ he said.

“Any attempt to go this alone guarantees another four years for the APC. Beyond this, we must accept the reality that except Northern Nigeria miraculously comes together in the next 24 hours to throw their support for the PDP candidate, the race looks likely to favour the APC candidate.

“I subscribe to the argument that the Igbo have not had a fair share in the Nigerian nation, most of the blame for this must go to our leaders who mostly subscribe to self and family as against building their states or region.”