Ngige withdraws from presidential race, retains ministerial seat

Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has announced his withdrawal from the 2023 presidential race.

The latest development was disclosed via a statement issued by the minister on Friday.

The statement was titled, ‘Withdrawal of my presidential aspiration’.

This is coming hours after President Muhammadu Buhari met with some ministers seeking elective positions in the 2023 general election.

Buhari met with the ministers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.

The President had earlier directed all cabinet members vying for elective offices in 2023 to resign before May 16, 2022.

Ngige stated his decision to pull out of the presidential race followed consultation with his family members, constituents, and supporters.

The former governor of Anambra State said he shelved his decision to contest for the office of the President in the 2023 general election to enable him concentrate on his ministerial job, and assist President Buhari.

Ngige stated: “Today, 13th May 2022, I had an audience with the President, Muhammadu Buhari as a follow up to the one I earlier had with him on 11th May 2022.

“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 election.

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

“I took this momentous decision firstly in the overall interest of the nation, in order to enable me 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.

“I have since communicated this decision to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“My constituents, political associates, and well-wishers across the country are by this statement informed of this latest decision, which also has the blessing and support of the overwhelming majority, hence supersedes any other interest, personal or otherwise,” the minister said.

The Star

Segun Ojo