The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sensationally declared that it is too late for any candidate to withdraw from contesting any position in the upcoming elections.
INEC said this in reaction to Oby Ezekwesili stepping down as presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).
Ezekwesili announced her withdrawal on Thursday, saying she wanted to give room for a coalition against candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
But reacting via a statement, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, said November 17 (2018) was the last date for withdrawal.
“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and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 General Elections, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was 17th November 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections.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,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bankole Omisore, the Special Adviser on International Relations to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has reacted as Ezekwesili stepped down from the presidential race.
Omisore dismissed the claim, saying the former Minister stepped out of the race to “stylishly support” President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a series of tweets, Omisore wrote: “God bless @adeyanjudeji he told @obyezeks the truth in 2018. Sadly, aunty didn’t receive it well, that she found it hard to speak against his arrest. May Almighty forgive us all and I pray she retraces her step.
“Aunty has been exposed for stylishly supporting the incumbent. Next on the list are all the CSO’s forming we are neutral but are codedly collecting from the ruling party. We know what you did in 2015, and we are watching you.”