THE Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has withdrawn his aspiration to contest for the presidency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while also indicating his willingness to continue working as a minister under the Buhari Presidency.
Dr Ngige announced his withdrawal on Friday in a press statement he personally signed, which came out hours after President Buhari held a valedictory session for ministers seeking elective political offices.
In the statement, said: “Today, 13th May, 2022, I had an audience with the President, Muhammadu Buhari as a follow up to the one I earlier had with him on 11th May, 2022.
“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.”
According to Dr Ngige, his withdrawal is “firstly in the overall interest of the nation, in order to enable me concentrate on my job, and assist the President and the Government, weather the difficult last lap, in the life of the administration and secondly for other family reasons.”
It is still not clear if President Buhari will allow Dr Ngige to continue as minister after the valedictory session has been held for him and his colleagues.
Read the press statement here:
