The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday said it is too late for any candidate to withdraw from contesting any position in the upcoming elections.
Ezekwesili announced her withdrawal on Thursday, saying she wanted to give room for a coalition against candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), okay reports.
INEC reacting to Oby Ezekwesili’s withdrawal as presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) said in a statement that November 17 was the last date for stepping down.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, chief press secretary to the INEC chairman, said:
“It is impossible for any presidential candidate to withdraw from the race now. According to the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 General Elections, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was 17th November 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
“The deadline for Ezekwesili or any candidate in that category to withdraw or be replaced has passed,” the statement read.
