The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has confirmed his withdrawal from Kebbi governorship race.
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The minister had on April 28 declared his intention to contest the governorship election on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, and thereafter submitted his N50 million nomination form on May 11.
Umar Gwandu, Malami’s spokesman, via a text message shared on Saturday, confirmed the minister’s withdrawal.
He added that Malami did not resign as minister contrary to rumours.
“Malami has the right to choose to voluntarily shelve his gubernatorial ambition. It is a matter of personal conviction and individual right which didn’t violate any law,” Mr Malami’s spokesman Umar Gwandu said in a statement.
“Right thinking members of the society accord respect to individual’s right to freedom of choice in matters relating to this.
“As individual Nigerian citizens with inalienable fundamental rights, we are not aware of any legally justifiable and reasonable tenable obligations compelling the person of Abubakar Malami, SAN or as an Attorney General of the Federation to do otherwise.
“The decision is not only a demonstration of altruism and patriotism, but of contentment, self-control, placidity and decisiveness in problem-solving at a time shrouded with confusing and competing stimulus. It is a commendable posture worthy admiration coming from a paragon of virtue.”
On Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari had asked all members of his cabinet seeking elective office to resign on or before May 16.
Apart from Malami, other ministers seeking elective offices include Rotimi Amaechi, Godswill Akpabio, Timipre Sylva, Pauline Tallen, Chris Ngige, Uche Ogah, Ogbonnaya Onu and Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.
Following the president’s directive, some ministers had tendered their resignation, while the president, earlier on Friday, met with the outgoing cabinet members.
Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, has also announced his withdrawal from the 2023 presidential race.
The minister said he took the “momentous decision” in the interest of the nation and to enable him to concentrate on his job.
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