Presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) Dr. Oby Ezekwesili has debunked media reports that she promises to uphold gay right if elected.
The 55-year-old discredited the reports published by multiple online media in a Twitter thread on Friday.
She said the “gay and lesbian life choice” is against her belief as a Christian.
Answering a question by LGBTQ activist Bisi Alimi at Chatham House, in the UK on Monday, Ezekwesili promised that when it comes to public policy, everyone is entitled to equal opportunity.
Mr Alimi had wanted to know if her strong Christian faith would accommodate same-sex relationship which is banned in Nigeria.
Responding, Ezekwesili said “There is no doubt that Nigeria is a multi-plural nation. We are different people with diverse language, age, gender, religion, beliefs and status. As the president, I promise to play a role that acknowledges our differences yet fosters unity of diversity. All citizens will be accorded the fundamental rights guaranteed within the provisions of our constitution and laws.”
Her statement was translated by some media outlets as support for gay right.
In a series of Twitter posts, the former Vice-President of the World Bank’s Africa division said her pledge to uphold the basic human right of every Nigerian “in no way equates or translates to me supporting or approving gay rights.”
The wife of a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God added that “as a Christian who has a strong scriptural anchor, I don’t subscribe to the gay or lesbian life choice.”
