Labor Minister Chris Ngige has withdrawn from the presidential race and has expressed a willingness to continue working as a minister.
Ngige made his announcement on Friday, hours after President Muhammadu Buhari held a farewell session for the labor minister and nine other ministers seeking elective political office.
In a statement he signed and sent to PREMIUM TIMES and other outlets, Ngige said he informed the president of his decisions.
It is unclear whether Mr. Buhari will allow Mr. Ngige to continue in office as minister after a farewell session has been held for him.
“Today, May 13, 2022, I had an audience with the President, Muhammadu Buhari, as a continuation of the one I had with him on May 11, 2022.
“Having also consulted extensively with my family, constituents, supporters and supporters, it is my pleasure to announce the withdrawal of my interest and previous decision to contest the office of President in the 2023 General Election,” Ngige wrote.
He said he was withdrawing his ambition “first in the general interest of the nation, to allow me to concentrate on my work and help the president and the government get through the difficult last round, in the life of the administration and second for other family reasons.”
Mr. Ngige was one of around 30 people who expressed interest in being the presidential candidate of the ruling party, APC.
Read his full statement below.
PRESS RELEASE 05/13/2022
WITHDRAWAL OF MY PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRATION.
On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, I publicly declared my interest in running for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the constitutional provision that prevents our gracious incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari, from seeking re-election to the office, as he would have completed his two terms by May 29, 2023. The declaration was made in my hometown, Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
My statement was a consequence of pressure being put on me by my constituents, political associates, friends and other well meaning Nigerians, who felt that I have the necessary qualifications and experience for the job. Some of these supporters even taxed themselves to get the expression of interest/nomination forms from our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for me. However, the forms still need to be completed and submitted.
Today, May 13, 2022, I had an audience with the President, Muhammadu Buhari, as a continuation of the one I had with him on May 11, 2022.
Having also consulted extensively with my family, constituents, supporters and supporters, it is my pleasure to announce the withdrawal of my prior interest and decision to contest the office of President in the 2023 General Election.
As a result of this, I will NOT be participating in any of the internal party processes of said election, beginning with the primary.
I made this momentous decision, firstly, in the general interest of the nation, in order to allow me to concentrate on my work and help the President and the Government get through the difficult last stage of the administration’s life, and, secondly, for other family reasons. .
I have since communicated this decision to the President and the Secretary of the Government of the Federation.
My constituents, political partners, and supporters across the country are informed by this statement of this latest decision, which also has the overwhelming blessing and support of the overwhelming majority, thus superseding any other interest, personal or otherwise.
Thanks and blessings of God.
Senator (Dr.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige, MD, OON
Honorable Minister of Labor and Employment.