Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, on Thursday withdrew from the presidential race to help build a coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 16, 2019 election.
In a statement issued to DAILY POST by the spokesperson for the Obiageli Ezekwesili Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ozioma Ubabukoh, Ezekwesili was quoted as saying that her decision to withdraw from the race followed extensive discussions with Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.
According to her, the action was also prompted by an examination of the country’s electoral environment sequel to the 2019 presidential debate on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
“This decision followed extensive consultations with leaders from various walks of life across the country over the past few days. I deem it necessary for me to focus on helping to build a veritable coalition to ensure a viable alternative to the #APCPDP in the forthcoming elections,” the statement read.
She said, “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. I have therefore chosen to lead the way in demonstrating the much needed patriotic sacrifice for our national revival and redirection.
“I wish to state that over the past three months, I have been in private, but extended talks with other candidates to birth a coalition that would allow Nigerians to exercise their choice without feeling helplessly encumbered by the evil twins of #APCPDP.
“While the deliberations continued, In ever hesitated for a moment in my willingness and determination to sacrifice my candidacy in order to facilitate the emergence of the envisaged strong and viable alternative that Nigerians could identify with in our collective search for a new
beginning.
“My commitment to this promising political recalibration has been consistent and in consonance with my agreement, at the request of candidates under the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together, PACT, arrangement in 2018, when I consented to supervise the internal selection process as an outside observer passionate about building an alternative force.”
Ezekwesili also said, “despite resistance from the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria on these and other issues, I have decided that it is now necessary to show by action and example my determination on this issue by stepping down my candidacy so as to focus squarely on building the coalition to a logical conclusion.
“We have no right to allow citizens give in to despair. We will #Fight4Naija together and prove to all that the mess, which the political class has now become, should not be allowed to destroy our spirits and nation. We are also determined to ensure that the message keeps resonating that our beloved country deserves better, and that we will get the best that we deserve.”
She added, “From last year, when I joined the presidential race, I made it clear to Nigerians that the country has always had a 20-year cycle of change – 1958, 1979, and 1999. As such, 2019 begins another 20-year cycle, and together with all Nigerians of good will, I stand ready to play my part to ensure that we do not miss this golden opportunity to sing a new song.
“There is no more time to waste. Let’s get to work!”
From Daily Post
*Hmmmmmmm ..Do THEY still support Presidential campaigns with fund?
As expected. I guess she may likely throw her support on Atiku/Obi.
ReplyDeleteshe just stated that she is looking at a coalition to replace APC/PDP, so no. She earns more of my respect yet again.
DeleteThat means it should be on next election. Coalition at the moment can't be easily achieved due to timing. She surely must throw her weight somewhere in this election.
DeleteIts really sad seeing her go,
ReplyDeleteThis election is going to be such a fiasco.
ReplyDeleteWell done
ReplyDeleteNow I'm forced to agree with my friend who said Oby's presidential race was all propaganda!
ReplyDeleteBetter propaganda
DeleteBefore?
DeleteLess than 3 weeks before elections, you suddenly withdraw because you had a brainwave that you should kini kan kini kan...tell that tripe to Nigerians.
Oops! Yeah that's what she did huh?
Buahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
are you daft? cant you read?
DeleteI saw this coming... I just pray we citizens come out and vote for the right leader and not vote a party or out of selfish reason but for a better country for everyone.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Oby.
ReplyDeleteTalk of candidates with good intentions for her people!
ReplyDeleteOby did very well back at the presidential debate,l started believing in her ambitions for the future of this country!
Its a pity she had to withdraw for whatever reason atall!
What a wasted genuine candidate.
Oh, you echoed my thoughts!
DeleteI would gladly donate money to support a coalition against APC/PDP. This country had had enough of this recycled politicians.
ReplyDeleteYES!!!
DeleteIsn't that the common sense thing to do years before form a coalition and simply push aside these APC/PDP regurgitated trash.
ReplyDeleteBut no na, every on is simply filled with gree and hunger. So we have the motivational speaker, alariwo and the cowboy left abi? That woman that usually rises only during elections, is she up again?
Jokers. All.
Good for her
ReplyDelete...and she broke my heart! I understand she did it for the greater good though. One day, Nigerians shall have a worthy 'Madam President', one day.
ReplyDeleteI told people this woman is a joke, they said its a lie.. After receiving donations now she is not doing again. It's a lie oo, you must campaign and run. ICPC come oooo!!!
ReplyDeleteIya don collect money, if you know you, welcome to Nigeria politics
ReplyDeleteIt’s sad to see her withdraw....my favorite candidate.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm I saw this coming
ReplyDeleteMy question is, why go on with the debate when the main opponent is missing in action?. @Blessed Princess
ReplyDeleteThis woman is a joke! After collecting over a billion from Nigerians supporting her for the presidential elections. Fela Durutoye is next! Watch this space!
ReplyDeleteShe had to withdraw, she is woman of integrity. Her party has jettisoned their ambition as a party and supporting Buhari now. Oby stands for a new Nigeria!!
ReplyDeleteOkay good
ReplyDelete