Ngige, Emefiele, Others Dump Presidential Ambition
Minister of labour, Chris Ngige, has withdrawn from presidential race to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
Ngige on Friday May 13th 2022, said he has withdrawn from the race.
Ngige’s announcement came after Buhari held a valedictory session for members of his cabinet contesting for elective positions in the 2023 general elections.
“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,” the minister said in a statement.
In another development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has equally withdrawn his presidential bid a credible source confirmed to BusinessDay.
Emefiele’s final withdrawal came weeks after speculations were rife that he would contest for the seat during the upcoming general elections.
“CBN Governor has withdrawn from the presidential race and has communicated his intention to continue as CBN Governor,” the source said.
The Governor had met President Buhari Thursday, where he may have informed him of his final decision.
Though he declined comment after the meeting, Emefiele had told State House correspondents to expect an announcement any moment.
“There is no news now, but there will be news.
“Let them have a heart attack.its good to have a heart attack. I am having a lot of fun”, Emefiele said of his many critics who had called him to resign as the CBN Governor and face his political ambition.
His withdrawal equally came after the embattled governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Emefiele, was alleged to have secretly obtained a court order to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from fielding him as a presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2023 general elections.
A high court sitting in Kwale, Delta State, was said to have ordered CBN and INEC to halt the processes of hindering Mr Emefiele from seeking elective position while subsisting as governor of the apex financial institution.
At the same time, the Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has pulled out of the Kebbi State governorship race.
