By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Minister for Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige, on Friday dropped out of the 2023 presidential race.

This is coming on the heels of President Mohammadu Biharii’s directive to his appointees vying for public office to resign on or before May 16.

Ngige said the decision was made after his meeting with the President and consulting widely with his family, constituents, supporters and well-wishers.

In a statement he personally signed and released in Abuja, Ngige said his decision to withdraw from the race has been communicated to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Entitled “WITHDRAWAL OF MY PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRATION”, the statement reads:

“On Tuesday, 19th April 2022, I publicly declared my interest to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the constitutional provision that precludes our amiable incumbent President, Muhammad Buhari from seeking re-election to the office, as he would have completed his two terms in office by 29th May 2023.

“The declaration was made in my hometown, Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“My declaration was sequel to pressure on me from my constituents, political associates, friends, and other well-meaning Nigerians, who felt I possess the necessary qualifications and experience for the job.

“Some of these supporters even taxed themselves to procure the Expression of Interest/ Nomination Forms of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for me. The forms, however, are yet to be filled and submitted.

“Today, 13th May 2022, I had an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari as a follow up to the one I earlier had with him on May 11th, 2022.

“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.

“I have since communicated this decision to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“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.

“Thanks and God’s blessings.

“Senator (Dr.) Chris/ Nwabueze Ngige, MD, OON

“Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment”.

Similarly, another APC chieftain, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has bowed out of the 2023 presidential contest, saying his “own day will come”.

In a statement from his media office in Abuja on Friday, Olawepo-Hashim explained that though his decision to contest was to offer a national platform for progressive forces who believe in the necessity and possibility of a new Nigeria, capable of securing itself from internal and external threats, and bring prosperity to all her people, but “certain developments have necessitated my withdrawal from the 2023 presidential race, as a result of which I did not pick the nomination form.”

He added that he is “retreating not out of the lack of will to fight for our resolve and collective aspiration for a New Nigeria, a struggle which has attracted enormous support. Sometimes WILL and RESOLVE, Energy and Preparation may not be enough to engage in an encounter.”

He equally maintained that his aspiration “is not an ambition but an historic burden , as a team player.”

“My current political pursuit must now bow to our collective National interest. It is not about me but about Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, “I stepped aside believing that another day will come. I hope our party will still be able to find a candidate for the 2023 election that will unite and secure our country. One that will lead an inclusive government, and build a prosperous economy that will not leave anyone behind. I leave the race believing that by the Grace of God my own day will come!”

He expressed gratitude to those who have connected with his messages and those who have offered support and prayers, assuring that pausing his Presidential run is not quitting the struggle for a better Nigeria, “a struggle I have committed myself to the better part of my adult life.” (Additional report by LEADERSHIP)