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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council has said the inclusion of former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, in its list of presidential campaign council members was not a mistake.
Nnamani, a serving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was included in the 422-member campaign list released last Friday. The inclusion of his name in the ruling party’s campaign council’s list elicited mixed reactions among Nigerians.
Despite being in the opposition party, the former governor has spoken highly of the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
In a statement on Monday, the Director, Media and Publicity of the APC presidential campaign council, Bayo Onanuga, said Nnamani is a “close friend” of Tinubu.
“The PCC will also want to clarify that the appearance of the name of HE Chimaroke Nnamani, a distinguished senator from Enugu State, was not a mistake.
“He is on the list in his own right as a supporter of our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“He may not be on the field with us as a PDP senatorial candidate in Enugu East, but his presence is indicative that he may have chosen to give ‘moral support’ to his old-time friend and brother.
“In any case, the PCC cannot dictate the extent of Senator Nnamani’s support for his friend and brother.
“That is part of his fundamental human right which supersedes any provision in a Party Constitution. His position and allegiance to his party is self-defining and does not need any qualification by us.
“Any explanation as to his status should be coming from the other party and not from us who are very proud to be associated with him,” Onanuga said.
Onanuga said more names would be added to the 422-member list.