Frontline and leading aspirant under the platform of Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has finally emerged as the flagbearer of the party at the presidential primary held on Wednesday in Abuja.

This emergence followed the support he garnered from 593 accredited delegates who unanimously affirmed and supported his candidacy unopposed.

Also at the event, another aspirant of the party, Dan Musa, stepped down for Olawepo. However, the third aspirant did not show up for the screening exercise.

In a related development, the National Working Committee NWC members expelled two of its members who seem to be traitors and working against the progress of the party.

The two members expelled were: Emmanuel Dania (National Chairman of the party) and Dr Osita Okonkwo (National Secretary).

The party however officially reinstated the pioneer chairman, Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, as the new chairman of the party.

Olawepo, speaking after he was unopposedly announced as the party’s presidential flagbearer, said: “I thank every member of this party for this enormous support. I will not abandon the mandate you have given me and put smile on the faces of all Nigerians.”

He added: “While this ship is still assailing, there are no seats for the traitors. By the grace of God, we will get to the promise land together.”

He assured that if he is voted into power Nigerians will witness stability in every aspect of the economy.

He said: “Nigerians want jobs for graduates, support for farmers, healthcare for the young and the old ones and we are ready to provide all of these. That is where we are going to. This is not the time for a small boy politics on the journey to the promised land. We have demonstrated that we will not succumb to the boys scout and girls guide. We are moving forward to a New Nigeria.

“We are unstoppable and no one can stop us. Everybody is saying Nigeria has to move forward. We can get it right and we will get it right.

“This is not the time for meaningless rhetorics. This is not the time for apprentice leadership. This is not the time for small boys playing games. 2019 must be a time for a decisive change on Nigeria.”

Further speaking on what the party is offering Nigerians, he said: “We will deal with hunger and malnutrition in the country. We will create a big economy that can cater for 180 million people. On the economy front, we will create a knowledge-based economy. We await to unite the country the way it has always been and there would no be discrimination.

“The journey has started officially.”

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