Former Minister of Education and World Bank vice president has asserted that Nigerians should be ready for another round of revolution and a cycle of change in Nigeria’s history in the coming 2019 general election. She stated this just as she announced her withdrawal from the presidential race under the flagship of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria ACPN.
In an early morning statement via her official twitter handle, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili announced her forthwith withdrawal from the presidential race after extensive consultation.
The statement reads: “Following the reactions of Nigerian citizens at home and abroad to the 2019 presidential debate held on Saturday19 January 2019 and after extensive consultations with leaders from various walks of life across the country over the past few days, I have decided to step down from the presidential race and focus on helping to build a coalition for a viable alternative to the APC and the PDP in the 2019 general elections. This coalition for a viable alternative has now more than ever before become an urgent mission for and on behalf of the country.’
‘Over the past three months, I have been in private extended talks with other candidates to make a coalition possible that would allow Nigerians to exercise choice without feeling helplessly saddled with the APC and the PDP’
The statement continues… ‘This coalition is aimed at facilitating the emergence of a strong and viable alternative behind which Nigerians can line up in our collective search for a new beginning.
Bringing forth a sense of Nigeria’s political history, she further stated that, “From last year, I have made it clear to the nation that Nigeria has always had a 20 year cycle of change- 1959,1979 and 1999. 2019 begins another 20 year cycle, and together with all Nigerians of good will, I stand ready to play my part to ensure that we do not miss this opportunity to sing a new song. We have no time to waste. Let’s get to work.
It is however still unclear which of the political parties Mrs Oby Ezekwesili will be allying with in the quest to achieve the cycle of change in Nigeria’s political history.
In a related development While reacting to the sudden withdrawal of the Presidential Candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili via a statement, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, said November 17, 2018 was the last date for withdrawal.
The statement read: “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 Elections, 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.
“The deadline for Ezekwesili or any candidate in that category to withdraw or be replaced has passed.”
