Hours ago the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) Dr. Oby Ezekwesili decided to step down from the presidential race, a decision which was encouraged by other political leaders.
Despite the controversy, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is impossible for any presidential candidate to withdraw from the contest at this stage in the race. The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi said “It is impossible for any presidential candidate to withdraw from the race now. According to the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2019 general election, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was 17th November, 2018 for presidential and National Assembly elections. Therefore, the deadline for Ezekwesili or any candidate in that category to withdraw or be replaced has passed.”
With her supposed party that has deflected to supporting APC’s Buhari because they were left out on her decision to step down, what choice is Oby Ezekwesili left with?