Oyebode lauds Ezekwesili’s withdrawal from presidential race

- A professor of Law has commended the former presidential candidate of ACPN for withdrawing from the race

- Akin Oyebode described Ezekwesili as a principled and focused individual who should be applauded for knowing when to quit

- According to Oyebode, it is a shame that INEC is not accepting the free entry and exit principle

Professor Akin Oyebode of International Law and Jurisprudence, on Friday, January 25, lauded Dr Oby Ezekwesili’s withdrawal from the presidential race in the 2019 elections.

Oyebode told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Ezekwesili, the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), has the right to quit the race.

NAN reports that Ezekwesili had on Thursday announced her withdrawal from the presidential race barely three weeks to the election scheduled to hold on February 16.

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Ezekwesili said that her action was as a result of consultation with Nigerians, both at home and abroad, clamouring for a coalition candidate to face the two main parties, All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party.

Oyebode described Ezekwesili as a dogged and principled woman who knew when to quit.

”Obiageli Ezekwesili is a dogged, principled and focused person who should be applauded for knowing when to quit. Shame on INEC for not accepting the free entry and exit principle. Surely, the last has not been heard of this talented woman,” he said.

NAN recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had said that Ezekwesili, could not withdraw from the race.

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Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, said: “It is impossible for any presidential candidate to withdraw from the race.

“A candidate can withdraw or be replaced not later than 45 days before the presidential election.’’

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Ezekwesili, had described the allegation by the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyu Galadima, that she was never really serious about her presidential ambition as baseless.

Ezekwesili's media aide, Uzoma Ubabukoh, in Lagos state, on Thursday, January 24, said Galadima’s claim that she was contesting to negotiate to be minister of finance was a figment of his imagination.

Galadima was Ezekwesili’s running-mate until she announced her withdrawal from the race early on Thursday, January 24.

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Source: Legit.ng