The dust over who becomes the flagbearer of the Labour Party, in the forthcoming presidential election in 2023, has finally cleared as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has recognised Mr. Peter Obi as the presidential candidate for the party, despite claims from other factions picking Jude Ezenwafor as the candidate with the party’s presidential ticket.
Consequently, the former aide to Peter Obi while he was serving as governor of Anambra State, Jude Ezenwafor, has stepped down his 2023 presidential ambition and offered an apology for causing discomfort.
“I hereby withdraw from the forthcoming election in 2023,” Mr Ezenwafor said in a statement first published by Band News on Thursday. “After consulting my supporters nationwide, I decided to withdraw for personal reasons.”
He also apologised for entering the raise, which caused some media outlets to report his emergence as a threat to Peter Obi’s presidential ambition.
“I regret any inconveniences my withdrawal might cost our party,” he added. “I thank the leadership of our great party for giving me the opportunity to serve Nigeria. Thank you and God bless you all.”
Mr Obi emerged as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate on May 30. He has been widely tipped as the third major candidate ahead of 2023 presidential election.
It was unclear what effect Mr Ezenwafor’s initial decision to challenge Mr Obi would have had on the former Anambra governor’s ambition.