2023 Presidency: After Buhari’s directive, Ngige makes U-turn, withdraws from race

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige on Friday withdrew from his 2023 presidential ambition.

The minister’s withdrawal from the race was contained in a statement he issued in Abuja after a valedictory session held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in the nation’s capital, where President Muhammadu Buhari bade members of his cabinet seeking elective offices in the 2023 general elections farewell.

Buhari had earlier on Wednesday during the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, directed his appointees interested in an elective position in 2023 to resign on or before Monday, May 16.

Recall that Ngige had declared his intention to run for president on April 19, at his hometown in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

However, following the directive by Buhari and the valedictory session on Friday, Ngige decided to make a U-turn in order to keep his ministerial job.

Ngige said he was yet to fill and submit the N100 million worth of expression of interest and nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) bought for him, adding that jettisoning his ambition to succeed Buhari is in the interest of the nation.

He equally said that he decided to withdraw due to family-related issues and to be able to concentrate on his ministerial job and assist the present administration, especially in what he describes as the difficult last lap

Ngige said he had since communicated his decision to President Buhari and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

He said, “On Tuesday, 19th April 2022, I publicly declared my interest to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the constitutional provision that precludes our amiable incumbent President, Muhammad 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 State.

“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.

“Some of these supporters even taxed themselves to procure the Expression of Interest/ Nomination Forms of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for me. The forms, however, are yet to be filled out and submitted.

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

“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, to 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.”