Victor EzejaNigeria’s minister of labour, Dr. Chris Ngige has pulled out of the race for 2023 presidential election.
Ngige made the announcement through a statement he signed and released to the media on Friday, some hours after a valedictory session held by President Muhammadu Buhari for the ministers who resigned to pursue their ambition of getting elective political positions.
In the statement titled, ‘Withdrawal of my presidential ambition’, the former governor of Anambra State disclosed his willingness to continue working as minister of labour.
The decision to withdraw from the race came after the president on Wednesday ordered all ministers seeking elective offices in the 2023 poll to resign.
It is however, not clear if President Buhari would allow him to continue handling the ministerial portfolio.
Ngige declared to run for position of president on 19th April 2022, in his home town of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
According to him, having withdrawn from the contest, he would not participate in any internal party activity to enable him concentrate on working with the president till end of the administration in 2023.
The statement reads in part,
“My declaration was sequel to pressure on me from my constituents, political associates, friends and other well-meaning Nigerians, who felt I possess the necessary qualifications and experience for the job. Some of these supporters even taxed themselves to procure the Expression of Interest/ Nomination Forms of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for me. The forms however are yet to be filled and submitted.
“Today, 13th May, 2022, I had an audience with the President, Muhammadu Buhari as a follow up to the one I earlier had with him on 11th May, 2022.
“Having also consulted widely with my family, constituents, supporters and well-wishers, it is my pleasure to announce the withdrawal of my interest and earlier decision to contest the office of the President in the 2023 general elections.
“As a result of this, I will NOT be participating in any of the internal party processes of the said election, starting with the primary. took this momentous decision firstly in the overall interest of the nation, in order to enable me concentrate on my job, and assist the President and the Government, whether the difficult last lap, in the life of the administration and secondly for other family reasons.
“I have since communicated this decision to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“My constituents, political associates and well-wishers across the country are by this statement informed of this latest decision, which also has the blessing and support of the overwhelming majority, hence supersedes any other interest, personal or otherwise.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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