The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has turned its nose up at Dr. Oby Ezekwesili’s withdrawal from the presidential race.
Ezekweili, the presidential candidate of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN, earlier in the week announced her withdrawal from the race, stating that she took the step in order to form a formidable alliance to defeat candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressive Congress, APC.
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and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 General Election, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was November 17, 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections.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.”
