UPDATED: It’s too late to withdraw, INEC tells Ezekwesili

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The Independent National Electoral Commisssion (INEC) has rejected the withdrawal of Obiageli Ezekwesili, the presidential candidate of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) from the 2019 presidential election on the grounds that it is too late.

According to spokesperson to INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, “The last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was 17th Nov 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections. The deadline for Ezekwesili or any candidate in that category to withdraw or be replaced has passed.”

Obiageli Ezekwesili had on Thursday morning stepped aside from the presidential to help build a coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party in the February 16, 2019 election.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Obiageli Ezekwesili Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ozioma Ubabukoh, Ezekwesili was quoted as saying that her decision to withdraw from the race followed extensive discussions with Nigerians at home and the Diaspora.

According to her, the action is also prompted by an examination of the country’s electoral environment sequel to the 2019 presidential debate of Saturday, January 19, 2019.

“This decision followed extensive consultations with leaders from various walks of life across the country over the past few days. I deem it necessary for me to focus on helping to build a veritable coalition to ensure a viable alternative to the #APCPDP in the forthcoming elections,” the statement read.

She said, “It is my ardent belief that this broad coalition for a viable alternative has now become more than ever before, an urgent mission for and on behalf of Nigerian citizens. I have therefore chosen to lead the way in demonstrating the much needed patriotic sacrifice for our national revival and redirection.

However, in a swift reaction, running mate to Ezekwesili, who is also the National Chairman of the party, AbdulGaniyu Galadima, in his address during a press conference on Thursday in Abuja said “The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) is withdrawing support for her presidential| aspiration and endorsing the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari to take Nigeria to the next level.”

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