JUST IN: Ezekwesili withdraws from presidential race

The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili has announced her withdrawal from the presidential race. She however, opted to help build a coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 16, 2019 election. A statement issued on Thursday morning by the spokesperson for Obiageli Ezekwesili Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ozioma Ubabukoh, said she took the decision after “extensive discussions with Nigerians at home and the Diaspora.” According to her, the action was also prompted by an examination of the country’s electoral environment sequel to the 2019 presidential debate of Saturday, January 19, 2019. The statement reads, “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. “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.