2019 POLL: INEC Turns Down Ezekwesili Withdrawal From The Presidential Race
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also turned down the withdrawal of Ezekwesili from the presidential race, saying it came in 60days after the deadline.
The INEC, has said the withdrawal of the presidential flag bearer of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili from the February 16 polls is no longer possible as the time for it has long elapsed.
According to the INEC Chief, “a person seeking to be removed as a candidate for electoral polls should notify the commission on/before 45days to the election.”
Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman , Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, in a statement, said November 17 was the last date for withdrawal, adding: “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and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 General Election, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was November 17, 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections.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 the deadline for 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.”
According to the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 General Election, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was November 17, 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections.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 the deadline for 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.”
Ezekwesili
who withdrew from the race on Thursday morning, citing the need 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,” she had said. “I have therefore chosen to lead the way in demonstrating the much needed patriotic sacrifice for our national revival and redirection.”
Meanwhile, the withdrawal of Dr. Ezekwesili, has been speculated as the orchestration of Obasanjo and other notable Nigerians.
Sources had it that Obasanjo, former President and Sanusi Lamido, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the international community, notably the European Union (EU) are among other high-ranking Nigerians who convinced Obiageli Ezewesili, candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), to withdraw from the 2019 presidential race.
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