The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the Presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. (Mrs.) Oby Ezekwesili, cannot withdraw from the 2019 presidential election.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, said this when asked for the commission’s reaction to Ezekwesili’s withdrawal from the race.
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Mrs. Ezekwesili, withdrew from the race hours before her party disowned her and adopted President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to INEC, 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and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 General Elections, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was 17th November, 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
“Therefore, the deadline for Ezekwesili or any candidate in that category to withdraw or be replaced has passed,” Oyekanmi said.
Daily Trust reports that a candidate can withdraw or be replaced not later than 45 days before the Presidential election.
