Thread by @obyezeks

After all the number of politicians in our corrosive political system that cause Nigeria’s daily deterioration and decline are not up to that number. #FixPolitics

Can we find from among our population of 190 million, a little less than 1 million people with the mix of character, competence and capacity to lead at different levels and are prepared to become our new political class? I honestly think we can. #FixPolitics

We must have important national conversations on a public campaign financing model that will remove barriers for young people and women. #FixPolitics

As citizens we must talk about why there seems to be an appetite for a new order in our politics and governance, but an unwillingness to walk and work towards achieving our desires. #FixPolitics

In the coming months and years, I am committed to be right in the mix of these conversations, working hard to build a more perfect republic. The journey ahead would be tough. #FixPolitics

There are some who may even interpret the rottenness of my experience in the ACPN as proof that there is no hope, that real change is impossible. We must not allow ourselves to give in to those claims. #FixPolitics

As always we have to pick ourselves up and press with hardwork and determination to build the nation of our dreams. #FixPolitics

I have always advocated for credible alternatives coming together to take on the failed ruling class. You may have seen videos where I told the ACPN leaders that a coalition with other parties was the best route in this election whether I end up as the consensus candidate or not.

Last year as part of a Citizens’ movement, we held a Summit of the Alternatives (SOTA) in conjunction with six civil society organizations to set in motion the process to produce a credible alternative who will face off with the #APCPDP.

While that process was still ongoing, I got a call from a group of Presidential Aspirants Acting Together —PACT saying some of the candidates were working among themselves to arrive at a consensus.

It was the candidate of the ANN, Fela Durotoye, who reached out to me and explained that they unanimously agreed that I should be the one to monitor the process based on rules they came up with themselves.

It was not a convenient time due to an already scheduled trip, but I was convinced to do it because it was something I had always clamored for. The sad saga of PACT was most unfortunate and in turn became a contributory factor to my ultimate decision to enter the race.

After I became a candidate, I submitted myself to several citizens’ led processes to arrive at a consensus from among the alternatives.

Fellow candidates who attended those meetings would agree that I was always ready to sacrifice my candidacy for the common good, as long as there was sincerity of purpose from all sides. Unfortunately those meetings did not yield the desired end, for various reasons.

I had to go through all that background to make the point that my stepping down to work for a consensus arrangement is not an afterthought. I’ve always believed in it.

It is my sincere hope that the credible alternatives left in the race are willing to sacrifice for Nigeria’s common good which is a New Order of Politics of Character, Competence and Capacity.

My immediate commitment is to help in any way possible to build this coalition.

Since suspending my campaign, I have taken actions to reach out to six of the key alternative candidates and sought the involvement of one of our most respected elders in getting them to the place of sacrificial leadership required to ensure a workable consensus from among them.

Citizens wish to see them make this sacrifice, and my sincere charge to the alternatives is to do all it takes to form a coalition of the willing with one strong candidate that will bear the mandate of those who seek good governance for Nigeria.

For me, I will get some needed rest, and go back to my professional work. But as a citizen, I have two big priorities going forward.

The first is fixpolitics.org, a values-based movement to disrupt our politics and reconstruct this country. #FixPolitics

In a way this is what I sought to achieve by joining politics in the first place. I realise that it would not be a quick fix, it is a marathon but the best time to set out is now. #FixPolitics

Go ahead and sign up now for this long term mission for 2023 and beyond. We must drive a citizens’ movement built from the bottom-up and which possesses a clear identifiable philosophy. You will hear more about our agenda soon. #FixPolitics

The second big priority for me is the establishment of a multi-partisan school of politics and governance; a leadership school that helps us grow a pipeline of leaders from the base. #FixPolitics

Nigeria has not been deliberate in raising the next generation of leaders as some other countries like South Africa has. #FixPolitics

We must change that, otherwise we would continue to repeat this cycle where there are not enough people with the character, competence and capacity taking over leadership from the council level to the assemblies and state houses, up to the presidency. #FixPolitics

I ask all those who are disappointed that we could not go all the way this time in our quest not to lose faith. We will work hard together for the coalition candidate, whoever that might be.

Afterwards, we would begin our long-run vision of building a massive political movement that will reflect the values we share together - the values of a new political order that has parties as solid organizations with clear values and philosophies.

We have a lot to look forward to. Let us not dwell on what has passed or wallow in self-pity as though we have no hope.

The future beckons and life is too short to dwell on what might have been when there is still so much that can be. I hope and pray that you all will support me in these efforts. #FixPolitics

To my supporters and fellow citizens who we met on this journey across different states, and who had already made up their minds to vote for me, I thank you most sincerely. #Fight4Naija

To colleagues and allies who stood strong with me every step of the way, I appreciate your friendship and leadership. #Fight4Naija

To my husband and my family, I could not have done this without you; your support means the world to me. #Fight4Naija

To volunteers and self-sustaining Oby for President groups, donors, and my extraordinary executive team, who gave freely and willingly because of your belief in our vision and your love for country, thank you for working so selflessly. #Fight4Naija

Some of you dropped work and other activities to commit fully to the campaign, travelling around the country with me, making big sacrifices… I feel so blessed that I could count on all your support. God bless you all mightily. #Fight4Naija

This is now the time to match confidently towards the future knowing that we are not powerless; knowing that we have all it takes to effect the real, powerful change that this country desperately needs. #Fight4Naija

This chapter may be closed; but our story is far from over. In life there is always a Third Way when the other Two Ways have core similarities that produce same undesirable outcomes no matter how many times you rotate your choice between them.

Finding the Third Way may be hard. But, it is worth seeking diligently. And we shall surely find it. #FixPolitics #Fight4Naija

Thank you all. God bless you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.