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 People’s 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.
“I wish to
state that over the past three months, I have been in private, but extended
talks with other candidates to birth a coalition that would allow Nigerians to
exercise their choice without feeling helplessly encumbered by the evil twins
of #APCPDP.
“While the
deliberations continued, I never hesitated for a moment in my willingness and
determination to sacrifice my candidacy in order to facilitate the emergence of
the envisaged strong and viable alternative that Nigerians could identify with
in our collective search for a new beginning.
“My
commitment to this promising political recalibration has been consistent and in
consonance with my agreement, at the request of candidates under the
Presidential Aspirants Coming Together arrangement in 2018, when I consented to
supervise the internal selection process as an outside observer passionate
about building an alternative force.
“However, despite resistance from the ACPN on these and
other issues, I have decided that it is now necessary to show by action and
example my determination on this issue by stepping down my candidacy so as to
focus squarely on building the coalition to a logical conclusion.
“We have
no right to allow citizens give in to despair. We will #Fight4Naija together
and prove to all that the mess, which the political class has now become,
should not be allowed to destroy our spirits and nation. We are also determined
to ensure that the message keeps resonating that our beloved country deserves
better, and that we will get the best that we deserve.
“From last
year, when I joined the presidential race, I made it clear to Nigerians that
the country has always had a 20-year cycle of change – 1958, 1979, and 1999. As
such, 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
golden opportunity to sing a new song. There is no more time to waste.
Let’s get to work!”
Ubabukoh then thanked Nigerians,
including campaign donors and volunteers, who supported Obi Ezekwesili,
saying that “every money donated to the campaign and funds spent will be
accounted for in the coming days.”
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