Oby Ezekwesili Withdraws From Presidential Race, Insists On Coalition

[Edoman]

Oby Ezekwesili withdraws from presidential race on Thursday morning and has rather opted to help build a coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party in the February 16, 2019 election.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Obiageli Ezekwesili Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ozioma Ubabukoh, Ezekwesili was quoted as saying that her decision to withdraw from the race followed extensive discussions with Nigerians at home and the Diaspora.

According to her, the action is also prompted by an examination of the country’s electoral environment sequel to the 2019 presidential debate of Saturday, January 19, 2019.

“This decision followed extensive consultations with leaders from various walks of life across the country over the past few days. I deem it necessary for me to focus on helping to build a veritable coalition to ensure a viable alternative to the #APCPDP in the forthcoming elections,” the statement read.

[size=undefined]

She said,
[/size]

“It is my ardent belief that this broad coalition for a viable alternative has now become more than ever before, an urgent mission for and on behalf of Nigerian citizens. I have therefore chosen to lead the way in demonstrating the much needed patriotic sacrifice for our national revival and redirection.

“I wish to state that over the past three months, I have been in private, but extended talks with other candidates to birth a coalition that would allow Nigerians to exercise their choice without feeling helplessly encumbered by the evil twins of #APCPDP. 

“While the deliberations continued, I never hesitated for a moment in my willingness and determination to sacrifice my candidacy in order to facilitate the emergence of the envisaged strong and viable alternative that Nigerians could identify with in our collective search for a new beginning. 

“My commitment to this promising political recalibration has been consistent and in consonance with my agreement, at the request of candidates under the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT) arrangement in 2018, when I consented to supervise the internal selection process as an outside observer passionate about building an alternative force.”

[size=undefined]

Ezekwesili also said,
[/size]

“However, despite resistance from the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria on these and other issues, I have decided that it is now necessary to show by action and example my determination on this issue by stepping down my candidacy so as to focus squarely on building the coalition to a logical conclusion. 

“We have no right to allow citizens give in to despair. We will #Fight4Naija together and prove to all that the mess, which the political class has now become, should not be allowed to destroy our spirits and nation. We are also determined to ensure that the message keeps resonating that our beloved country deserves better, and that we will get the best that we deserve.”

[size=undefined]

She added,
[/size]

“From last year, when I joined the presidential race, I made it clear to Nigerians that the country has always had a 20-year cycle of change - 1958, 1979, and 1999. As such, 2019 begins another 20-year cycle, and together with all Nigerians of good will, I stand ready to play my part to ensure that we do not miss this golden opportunity to sing a new song. 

“There is no more time to waste. Let’s get to work!”

[size=undefined]

Meanwhile, Ubabukoh thanked Nigerians, including campaign donors and volunteers, who supported Ezekwesili, saying that “every money donated to the campaign and funds spent will be accounted for in the coming days.”

https://lailasnews.com/oby-ezekwesili-withdraws-from-presidential-race-insists-on-coalition/[/size]

[Edoman]

Nigerians have started reacting following the withdrawal of Oby Ezekwesili, the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).

Oby withdrew from the race and is set to now devote her time to help build a coalition.

See more reactions here; http://www.amagitesblog.com/2019/01/nigerians-react-to-oby-ezekwesilis-withdrawal-from-presidential-race.html

[Edoman]

Kayode Ogundamisi has mocked Oby Ezekwesili after she stepped down from the presidential race to form a coalition.



Reacting to the news of Ezekwesili's withdrawal, Ogundamisi, said:



"@obyezeks started with @BBOG_Nigeria then sidestep into @RedCardMng

then moved into CUPP abi na CUP, Then became inspirator in chief and umpire for new generation Presidential candidates, after supervising internal elections, she herself emerged as a candidate and now MELTED."



Meanwhile watch the video Ogundamisi shared to mock Oby and Oby Ezekwesili at the Presidential debate 2019 before she stepped down..

Watch the video here

What do you think about Oby Ezekwesili withdrawing from the 2019 presidential election?

Source: http://www.thefamousnaija.com/2019/01/kayode-ogundamisi-mocks-oby-ezekwesili.html?m=1

[Edoman]

Fall-Out Of Failed Debate Trap For Atiku: Ezekwesili Steps down
With how the post-debate narrative went, one would have thought Atiku was the president refusing to come forward to present his belt and defend his title. Buhari that is president and who we wanted to see if his brain cells had not been overtaken by LEWY BODIES, it was all about Atiku. Funny!!!
But the plot was clear. BMC had been readied to take soundbites and whatever Atiku says and run it as gaffes. Obi Ezekwesili was primed to be the attack dog. She has more to say anout Atiku as ordinary VP than a Buhari who is president and has no project to show after four years and unprecedented debt profile for Nigeria.
And Atiku came from the US, saw there was no belt nor trophy to be won as the debate without Buhari was not a TITLE CONTEST but an unfriendly match, smart as an old lion, Atiku roared, and moved away from the gathered hyenas set to feast on him.
And it was clear. Same Oby Ezekwesili that presided over a plan to pick a consensus third-party candidate between House of Tara's husband, Durojaiye, Sowore and (what is his first name and what is his claim-to-fame) Moghalu, was suddenly a contestant herself. All three were waiting knowing Buhari would never show up. They were waiting for Atiku
And when Atiku did not see his weight in APC present, his leaving has them rattled. There is NO SOUNDBITE from the debate because it was all planned to be about Atiku. None of their words made the papers the next day. It was all about Atiku not attending.
Meanwhile, Atiku attended. Got miked up but did not see his heavyweight class. Heavyweights do not box against Battam-weight. But it is Atiku that they say failed to attend the debate, Atiku who came all the way from the US for it. The Buhari that was in Aso Rock sleeping the sleep of the old and tired in his rocking grandpa chair was not the focus
And so, seeing the debate ploy to take on Atiku has fallen flat like a pack of cards; fallen like Buhari in campaign grounds; fallen like Amaechi's ambition to be Vice President, Ezekwesili has now decided to step down and form voltron with the other guys and again, against Atiku.
Why is she stepping down now after the big debate fail? Because it was all about THAT ONE SHOT AGAINST ATIKU that the debate would have provided.
Atiku dodged a bullet and now there is no more bullets in Ezekwesili's gun.
Atiku is way too smart for these losers.
I have seen a lion killed by a gathering of hyenas. But it is only lions who aren't smart enough to choose their turfs and battles
Time for leaders that reflect the brilliance of the Nigerian mind in toto. Yes! Our hardworking, Super- achieving mindset and intellect.
Atiku/Obi for president and Vice.