The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the withdrawal of the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Oby Ezekwesili, in the 2019 presidential race.
According to INEC, there is is an electoral act which stipulates that a candidate would only withdraw from the race no less than 45 days to the date of elections, The Sun reports.
Kemifilaninews had earlier reported that Oby Ezekwesili announced her withdrawal from the 2019 presidential election race. She announced her decision on Thursday, January 24.
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.
After her withdrawal, her party Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) also withdrew its support for her.
Consequently, the party declared its support for President Muhammadu Buhari, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).