The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has abandoned his presidential ambition citing family reasons and his willingness to want to concentrate on his job, and assist the President and the Government, weather the difficult last lap, in the life of the administration.
Ngige also said that his earlier declaration was based on the pressure on from his constituents, political associates, friends and other well-meaning Nigerians, who felt he possessed the necessary qualifications and experience for the job.
Ngige also acknowledged that his supporters “taxed themselves to procure the Expression of Interest/ Nomination Forms of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC)” for him but he was yet to fill the forms.
The statement further stated that “Today, 13th May, 2022, I had an audience with the President, Muhammadu Buhari as a follow-up to the one I earlier had with him on 11th May, 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 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.”
