Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige on Wednesday vowed not to campaign for any of the leading presidential candidates in the February 25 general elections because of his conscience.
Ngige also said he would not predict who would win the presidential poll, urging Nigerians to vote what is right for the country.
Speaking in his home town in Alor, Anambra State while distributing food items to All Progressives Congress APC faithful, the former governor said the four Frontline presidential candidates are his allies and would not campaign for or against any of them.
He named the presidential candidates as Alhaji Abubakar Atiku (PDP), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (APC), Peter Obi (LP) and Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP).
The items distributed to the masses included 5000 bags of rice, 5000 bags of garri, several cartons of tomatoes and tubers of yams followed Federal Government’s directive to Ministers and others to cushion the effects of economic downturn on the masses across the country.
The food items were given to the elderlies, widows and the All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful from the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.
The elderlies, especially the octogenarians also received health benefits on the occasion.
Ngige said, “My advice to my people is to vote right. They should vote for the right candidate that will be able to work for them.
“The four frontline candidates; the frontrunners are good and well known to me. They are my friends, having worked with them in one way or the other.
“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Vice President (former) Federal Republic of Nigeria was the man who was in helm of affairs when I was ‘kidnapped’- when I was shoved out of office.
“He (Atiku) was standing in for Mr President (Obasanjo), who was in Maputo, and he (Atiku) ordered the Inspector General of Police then, the late Tafa Balogun, to reinstate me to office.
” I also worked with him in the economic team- National Economic Council as the Vice President. So, I know him, and he is a friend of mine, and we also formed AC together.
“Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my friend again-supportive. During trying times; we formed AC together.
“I became the known opposition Senator in the Eastern Region under the auspices and platform of the ACN. So, he is not somebody I don’t know.
“Peter Obi, my brother, my successor and my everything, I know him too and he is a friend. So, how do I campaign against any of them,” Ngige said.
“Malam Kwankwaso, is my friend, I know him too as deputy speaker when he was deputizing Agunwa Anekwe,one of our party’s strong men.
“I don’t think I will go around campaigning for Mr A, Mr B or Mr C. I won’t do that; it not my stock in trade. I don’t jump from party to party; but besides, I have some conscience; I need to protect my conscience and make sure I don’t hurt it”. the Minister said
