One of the leading aspirants for the post of Deputy Senate President on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has withdrawn from the race.
His withdrawal followed the party’s endorsement of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as its candidate for the post of Senate President and Muhammed Wase as Deputy Senate President.
In a statement issued by his media office, he stated that had to toe the party’s line in his decision and assured of his support for all the candidates of the party.
He thanked his followers, associates and supporters among others with whom he said he had consultations with before expressing his interest for the post.
Kalu said he believed that the South East would be favourably considered in the allocation of posts in the National Assembly.
His words: “I decided to throw my hat into the ring to contest for the position of Deputy Senate President after wide consultations with stakeholders, especially my political associates, friends and colleagues (returning senators and senators–elect).
“However, I use this medium to announce my withdrawal from the race in the interest of the APC and Nigeria at large.
“I contested and won election as a Senator on the platform of the APC and as such, I cannot go against the decision of my party.
“The party, I am optimistic, will consider the South East for other principal positions in the Senate and House of Representatives for the sake of national unity.
“The South East should be ably and well represented at the top hierarchy of the 9th National Assembly.
“The 9th National Assembly will work harmoniously regardless of party affiliations to ensure that the executive and judiciary arms of government are complemented in a bid to build a prosperous Nigeria.”
