Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that, it is too late now for any candidate to withdraw from contesting any position in the upcoming general elections in Nigeria.
INEC said this while responding to the news of the withdrawal of Oby Ezekwesili as presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).
Rotimi Oyekanmi, chief press secretary to Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, said November 17 was the last date any candidate can withdraw.
The statement reads: “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and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 General Elections, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was 17th November, 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
“The deadline for Ezekwesili or any candidate in that category to withdraw or be replaced has passed.”
Section 35 of the electoral act, which gives deadline from withdrawal from any election, states:
“A candidate may withdraw his candidature by notice in writing signed by him and delivered by himself to the political party that nominated him for the election and the political party shall convey such withdrawal to the Commission not later than 45 days to the election.”