Oby Ezekwesili, the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), has withdrawn from the February 16 presidential election.
In a statement released early on Thursday morning, Mrs Ezekwesili said she stepped down from the election to help build a coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election.
In her Twitter account, Ezekwesili said “It is time to build this coalition” – Obiageli Ezekwesili leads by example, steps down from presidential race – Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili – Presidential Candidate, Federal Republic of Nigeria – Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).
“Following the reactions of Nigerian citizens at home and abroad to the 2019 Presidential Debate held on Saturday 19 January 2019, and after extensive consultations with leaders from various walks of life across the country over the past few days.”
“Everything filthy that one thought about the Nigerian Politics is REAL. Yet, WE the citizens MUST fight this battle & not leave it behind for next Generation. The EVIL that has been Nigerian Politics is the foundation for our nation’s failures. I am determined to #Fight4Naija,” she concluded.
When reached to confirm a statement on her withdrawal from the race to become the number one citizen of the country seen on Twitter, an aide to Ms Ezekwesili, Ozioma Ubabukoh, confirmed that the statement was genuine.
“Yes, she has withdrawn. It is true. You can run with it,” he said.
A close associate of Mrs Ezekwesili, Aisha Yusufu, also confirmed the withdrawal.
Nigerians React
@MarkEssien “Oby Ezekwesili has stepped down to help build a single coalition against the incumbents. My next preferred candidate is Kingsley Moghalu, and if all other 3rd force presidential candidates consolidate around one person, it can become significant enough to shake the status quo.”
@Aolaosebikan “Good move but somehow too late. Also many wasted opportunities for a good representation at National Assembly. Anyway we have learned enough to be more strategic for 2023.”
@BrodaleeB “The aim is to remove bad government.As you have step down don’t make the mistake of joining APC. You will lose again.”
@Fjfalase “Please collaborate to kill the double headed monster ie APC and PDP !!!! The citizens need you to.”
@Ifystic “After causing distraction and confusion. This is why I always taught you are a Buhari agent judging from your campaign attacks on PDP.”
@Slkie “Hmmm, you want to help build coalition 20 days to election? 20 days not 20 months or even 20 weeks!
@Iamdpassword “Oby Ezekwesili just stepped down from the presidential election. It’s good that she has finally realised that changing the status quo demands forming an alliance. It’s coming a bit late tho but next time we try earlier.”
@SammyAdex1 “Madam you should have known that coalition bond is stronger if you really would love to put or stop APC and PDP in the forthcoming election.”
@Kany_10 “Aunty Oby Ezekwesili, we told you before that she’s sponsored to destabilise the polity, but she’s too small to do the hatchet job, so she finally bows out. Apart from Sowore, others are doing the same paid job, but will soon join aunty Obi on the sideline.”
@Harir_Isah “Too late na, We expected this move months ago.May be you should extend the plan to 2023.”
@Kennydenz “Oby Ezekwesili withdraws from presidential race, when I said she was employed by APC to attack Atiku people came for my head. Finally, it’s happening as I said it.”
@Szhino “You see why I love this woman? That was a very great decision. I wish other’s could do the same and leave PDP and APC to fight it out.In the very near future, we will come out stronger and better.”
@Ilawrencegold “Wow! You just raised the guard of honor that I have for you with this
It’s a matter of time ma’am, Ezekwesili President of Nigeria in a bit.”
@Vincentpromise6 “That was quick ma.. But a good thing to do.. The future is bright. More blessings to you.”
