A governorship aspirant on the platform of African Democratic Congress, ADC in Lagos State, Mr. Ayo Akintayo has withdrawn from the race, citing his inability to raise such financial war chest that match the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and All Progressives Congress, APC candidates in the election as his reason.
Akintayo, who serves as the Lagos State Chairman of Justice Party, was until his withdrawal, the sole aspirant on the platform of ADC.
He said he could raise the funds needed for him to run for the 2015 election.
“I am not going to run for election again because I do not have the money to spend like APC and PDP.
“So how will I compete with them, even though I can raise money, where can I get billions, except by miracle?
“I am also considering supporting another aspirant but my programme of action is still the best to take,’’ Akintayo said.
He regretted that people with great ideas that can move the country are relegated to the background because of the expensive nature of elections in the country. He appealed to politicians to change their mindset about elections, adding that elections should be a geme for matured minds.
Akintayo also frowned at the short period of time given by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for campaigns.
“The time given for campaigning is too short if we are expected to play politics of ideology where people have to sell their programmes.
“A situation where candidates will be able to sell themselves officially without anybody saying they are disobeying the Electoral Act will be good.
“In future elections, INEC should ensure it allows candidates to campaign for at least a year before election so as to know each person’s programme,’’ he said.
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