INEC rejects Madam Oby Ezekwesili’s withdrawal from the presidential race

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has
rejected the withdrawal of Oby Ezekwesili as presidential candidate
of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).

According to INEC, it is too late for any candidate to
withdraw from contesting any position in the upcoming
elections.

Madam Ezekwesili announced her withdrawal this
morning saying she wanted to give room for a coalition against
candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All
Progressives Congress (APC).

In reaction to this, Rotimi Oyekanmi, chief press secretary to
the INEC chairman, said November 17 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day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn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.

Section 35 of the electoral act, which gives deadline from
withdrawal from any election, states: “A candidate may withdraw his
candidature by notice in writing signed by him and delivered by
himself to the political party that nominated him for the election
and the political party shall convey such withdrawal to the
Commission not later than 45 days to the election.”