Oby Ezekwesili withdraws from presidential race on Thursday morning and has rather opted to help build a coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party in the February 16, 2019 election.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for
the Obiageli Ezekwesili Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ozioma
Ubabukoh, Ezekwesili was quoted as saying that her decision to withdraw
from the race followed extensive discussions with Nigerians at home and
the Diaspora.
According to her, the action is also prompted by an
examination of the country’s electoral environment sequel to the 2019
presidential debate of Saturday, January 19, 2019.
“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,” the statement read.
She said,
“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 (PACT) arrangement in 2018, when I
consented to supervise the internal selection process as an outside
observer passionate about building an alternative force.”
Ezekwesili also said,
“However,
despite resistance from the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria 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.”
She added,
“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!”
Meanwhile, Ubabukoh thanked Nigerians, including campaign donors and
volunteers, who supported Ezekwesili, saying that “every money donated
to the campaign and funds spent will be accounted for in the coming
days.”
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