I lost to superior financial firepower — Chidoka

The governorship candidate of United Progressive Party (UPP), Chief Osita Chidoka, says his party lost last Saturday’s election to superior financial firepower.

Chidoka, in his reaction to the outcome of the November 18, 2017 election, said the people announced the rejection of politicians by trading their votes because they doubted they would truly represent their interest.

“While our message resonated with the people, they doubted that the political class cared about them. They voted for the highest bidder.

“When by Thursday a large percentage of our supporters insisted that they will not vote unless we paid, I insisted we will not pay for votes. The decision not to pay ended our good run. We accept the voters’ decision. We also heard our people, by their turnout and transactional approach, as they took sides with our party’s considered view that the issue of justice, equity and fairness should be canvassed within Nigeria.

“In all, we hold our heads high; high because we did not lose the poll due to paucity of ideas or lack of structure. We lost to superior financial firepower.”

Chidoka said he made no apologies for the decision to refrain from money politics and chart a new course for a clean, knowledge-based campaign driven by patriotism.

The UPP candidate, who conceded defeat, thanked those who supported him and made personal sacrifices to the campaign.

While wishing the governorelect a successful tenure, he said he would still be available to point out the way and provide credible alternatives for his people.