LAGOS-Group Captain Sam Ewang (rtd), a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Military Administrator of Ogun state has vowed that he will not allow any candidate deceive him again ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, Ewang who said he played a huge role in the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 said that the party’s survival beyond 2023 will largely depend on who emerges as the party’s presidential flagbearer.
According to him, the APC should not be preoccupied with wealthy politicians but should present a credible candidate who has the wisdom to lead the country even if the person is not financially buoyant.
He added that President Buhari had nothing in 2015 but emerged as the party’s flagbearer due to the support he received from APC members, including himself.
“APC survival beyond 2023 will depend on who they field as presidential candidate. I pray they don’t make the mistake of fielding the wrong person. There are very good candidates in APC who can secure victory for the party; however the problem is the greed and ignorance of some of these people”.
“Like I said earlier, we need a knowledgeable man with bright ideas to help lead this country, even if the person is a poor man. Buhari has nothing when he came out in 2015. I was one of those who ensured his emergence. He did not have any kobo then”.
“I did not have a lot of money too but at least, I contributed my quota to ensure he emerged as the presidential candidate. If we bring out a good, honest person, I will still come out to support the person as long as I am convinced that the person is the best man for the job”.
“I have made a vow that I will never be deceived again. I will support whoever convinces me that he will rule Nigeria right with the fear of God”.
“As at now, I don’t have any particular candidate in mind. But whoever God tells me will rule Nigeria well, I will support him. But nobody will deceive me again. Riches will not deceive me in 2023” he said.