Ngige Withdraws From The Presidential Race & Opts To Stay On As A Minister 

Sen. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, has announced that he would not run for President in the 2023 General Elections.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

Ngige stated this in a statement delivered to journalists on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, I openly stated my interest in running for President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on April 19.

”This was following the constitutional provision that precludes our amiable incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari from seeking re-election to the office, as he would have completed his two terms in office by 29th May 2023.

”The declaration was made in my hometown, Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra.

”My declaration was sequel to pressure on me from my constituents, political associates, friends and other well meaning Nigerians, who felt I possess the necessary qualifications and experience for the job,” he said.

He stated that some of his fans took it upon themselves to obtain the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest/Nomination Forms for him.

The paperwork, he claimed, had not yet been completed and filed.

“Today, May 13, I had an audience with the President, Muhammadu Buhari, as a follow up to the one I earlier had with him on May 11.

”Having also consulted widely with my family, constituents, supporters and well-wishers, it is my pleasure to announce the withdrawal of my interest and earlier decision to contest the office of the President in the 2023 general elections.

”As a result of this, I will not be participating in any of the internal party processes of the said election, starting with the primaries.

”I took this momentous decision firstly in the overall interest of the nation.

“In order to enable me to concentrate on my job and assist the President, and the Government, weather the difficult last lap in the life of the administration and secondly for other family reasons,” he added.

The minister stated that he had informed the President and the Secretary to the Federation Government of his decision.

According to him, this statement informs my constituents, political associates, and well-wishers around the country of the current decision.

He went on to say that the choice had the blessing and support of the vast majority, and that it so outweighed any personal or other interests.