Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment has dropped his 2023 presidential ambition and abandoned the steps towards securing the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Minister announced his withdrawal from the 2023 presidential race in a statement on Friday.
According to Ngige, his decision to withdraw from the race to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari follows consultation with his family, supporters and other stakeholders.
“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’s statement read in part.
Apart from family reasons, he added that he took the decision in the interest of Nigeria as he also needs to focus on helping President Buhari in matters of governance.
“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 concentrate on my job, and assist the President and the Government, 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,” Ngige said.
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