PRESS STATEMENT I AM NOT STEPPING DOWN — NOT FOR ₦200 MILLION, NOT FOR ANY PRICE -

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PRESS STATEMENT

I AM NOT STEPPING DOWN — NOT FOR ₦200 MILLION, NOT FOR ANY PRICE

My attention has been drawn to a malicious and completely false rumour being circulated that I, Hon. Chief Joseph Chukwuma Ikunna, I am negotiating with Hon. Kingsley Chima Uju to withdraw from the 2027 House of Representatives race in exchange for ₦200 million.

Let me state this without ambiguity:

IT IS FALSE. IT IS A LIE. THERE HAS BEEN NO SUCH NEGOTIATION, AND THERE WILL BE NONE.

I do not know whether this fabrication originated from supporters of Kingsley Uju, Eugene Dibiagwu, or some other mischievous source. What I do know is that those circulating it are playing a dangerous game with my name, reputation, and integrity.

Let this therefore serve as a public warning: any person who henceforth publishes, broadcasts or circulates this allegation as a statement of fact should be prepared to provide evidence for it and defend that allegation before a court of competent jurisdiction.

And to those who invented the figure of ₦200 million, perhaps they fundamentally misunderstand the man they are dealing with.

I have undertaken legitimate business transactions and projects worth substantially more than ₦200 million. That amount is barely sufficient for some of the commercial transactions I undertake. The suggestion that I would sell the mandate, confidence, and expectations of our people for ₦200 million is not merely false; it is insulting.

But let me go further.

Not ₦200 million. Not ₦2 billion. Not even $10 billion would make me abandon this race.

My candidacy is not a business transaction. I did not enter this contest to negotiate an exit package. I did not raise the hopes of thousands of supporters across Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta, and Oru West merely to trade their trust for money.

I entered this race because I believe our Federal Constituency deserves a fundamentally different quality of representation — representation built around development, opportunity, wealth creation, security, and measurable results.

I am adequately prepared for the financial demands of this election. Nobody should mistake restraint for weakness. Whatever legitimate resources are required to prosecute this election effectively, I am prepared to match my opponents pound for pound.

So let nobody waste another minute negotiating my imaginary withdrawal.

I AM NOT STEPPING DOWN.

If Hon. Kingsley Chima Uju wishes to remain in the race, I welcome him.

If Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu wishes to remain in the race, I welcome him.

And if either gentleman wishes to step down, that is entirely his decision.

As for me, I would much rather meet both of them at the ballot box and allow the people to decide.

I remain strong.

I remain focused.

I remain incorruptible.

And by the grace of God and the democratic will of our people, I remain absolutely confident of victory.

Let the campaigns continue.

Let every candidate present his record, his capacity, and his vision.