By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

With eleven people jostling for the deputy governorship seat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ex-Forbes recipient, Harvard-trained entrepreneur, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, on Thursday pulled out of the race.

Though the reason for her action is yet unknown, she wished the party well, urging it to ensure it wins the November 6, 2021 poll.

A statement issued by the party and made available to journalists in Awka, the state capital, on Thursday reads in part: “No one has, or will ever lobby or jostle for the Deputy Governor slot in ADC, it is not our style.

“The Head of Search Team, and National Chairman, Chief Okey Nwosu, in expression of his passion for Anambra State and good governance and commitment to pull the best amongst Anambra youths and persons into governance to give the state its best chance for development.

“He has consulted widely to have persons considered of impeccable character in absolute privacy and confidentiality.

“Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu had reached out to many credible personalities to show accept the offer to run, but Mrs. Nwuneli declined to accept the offer and wished the party well.”

ADC observed that for the forthcoming Anambra elections, there are certain parameters needed to balance the team to be presented for the elections,

According to the party, consultations are still ongoing in preparation for the final screening of a candidate.

“Whilst it is true that our search team reached out to many persons including Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, none of them were or are ‘jostling’ to be deputy governor," the statement said.

On his part, the National Director of Communications and Programmes of ADC, Ifenla Oligbinde, denied reports in the media which said that other politicians had lobbied and that the party had ten contenders jostling for the deputy governor ticket.

He added: “No one has, or will ever lobby or jostle for the Deputy Governor slot in ADC, it is not our style.

“No one has, or will ever lobby or jostle for the Deputy Governor slot in ADC, it is not our style. We have a value-driven protocol that guides our processes.

“ADC is known to have transparency and integrity in her DNA as was seen in the emergence of our gubernatorial candidate, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, in the most peaceful and credible electoral process.

“The same process will be adopted again, as ADC is ‘not for sale’ or known for ‘money bags’ rancorous approach, as is currently being witnessed in other political parties that ought to lead by example.

“African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it is still consulting widely with stakeholders to get a formidable Anambra State Gubernatorial team that will meet up with the yearnings and aspirations of the people with a view to bringing great progress and development to the state.”