Minister of labour, Chris Ngige, withdraws from presidential race

Nigeria’s labour minister Chris Ngige Friday said he has withdrawn from the race to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

Ngige’s announcement came after Buhari held a valedictory session for members of his cabinet contesting for elective positions in the 2023 general elections.

The minister said he has told the president he was no longer in the race to succeed him.

“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 said in a statement.

“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.”

Ngige said the withdrawal would enable him to focus on his job as minister and “assist the President and the Government, weather the difficult last lap in the life of the administration and secondly for other family reasons.”