“It’s too late to withdraw” – INEC tells Oby Ezekwesili
The slot for Oby Ezekwesili’s ACPN on the ballot paper will be retained, INEC has indicated.
The electoral commission, in reaction to Ezekwesili’s announcement that she was stepping down from the presidential race, has said it’s already too late for such decision.
INEC chief spokesperson Rotimi Oyekanmi said in a statement on Thursday that the window for such withdrawal has closed.
“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and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 General Elections, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was 17th November, 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections,” Oyekanmi said.
“The deadline for Ezekwesili or any candidate in that category to withdraw or be replaced has passed.”
The electoral act states that any candidate who wishes to withdraw his/her candidacy should do so “not later than 45 days to the election.”
As it stands, the ACPN logo will be duly represented on the ballot paper on the day of the election, as that is the only symbol used to represent candidates vying for positions.
