The presidential flag bearer of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN, Mrs.Obiageli Ezekwesili has withdrawn from the February 16 presidential election. Her aide, Ozima Ubabukoh, has confirmed the statement to be genuine.
In a statement released this Thursday morning, according to Premium Times, the former Minister of Education, said she is withdrawing to form a coalition to defeat the dou of Peoples Deemocratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the presidential election next month.
According to her, the decision was predicted on the prevailing political environment in the country, especially against the backdrop of the January 19 Presidential Debate, in which President Buhari was absent and Atiku Abubakar declined to participate. Recall that the absence of the duo made the debate loose steam and in the process portrayed the duo as contenders and the rest as pretenders.
“The 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 building a veritable coalition to ensure a viable alternative to the #APCPDP in the forthcoming elections.
“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.”
