Ngige Makes U-Turn, Abandons 2023 Presidential Ambition
BY EDMOND ODOK – In a case that clearly aligns with the popular saying that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has abandoned his 2023 presidential election, preferring to stay put as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC)
Dropping out of the race unceremoniously on Friday afternoon, Senator Ngige said the decision came after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and consulting widely with his family, constituents, supporters, and well-wishers.
Ngige’s decision to drop out of the race followed the directive of Buhari to his appointees vying for public office to resign on or before May 16.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday in Abuja, the Minister said his decision to withdraw from the race has been communicated to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF).
The statement reads: “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.
“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.”
The former Anambra state governor had on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, in his hometown, Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of the State, declared interest to gun for the nation’s highest political office with President Buhari’s constitutionally guaranteed two tenures ending on May 28, 2023.
Below is the letter by Senator Ngige backing out of the 2023 presidential contest.
