2023 Presidency: APC Speaks On Asking Aspirants To Sign Withdrawal Letter

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to a report that it asked its presidential hopefuls to sign Form 18 attached to the procured Expression of Interest and Nomination forms.

Naija News earlier reported that the APC directed the aspirants to sign the form tagged withdrawal letter before a Commissioner of Oath/Public Notary before it is submitted to the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdulahi Adamu.

In an interview with Guardian, APC Spokesman, Felix Morka, stated that the withdrawal letter attached to the procured presidential form is legal and constitutional.

Morka added that the withdrawal sheet is part of the presidential form and is in line with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Amendment Act 2022.

The APC spokesman explained that all the aspirants are not required to fill out the form except for those that will make the decision at some point to withdraw from the race

He said: “Yes, the sheet is part of the form. Our constitution and the Electoral Act recognised three modes for the election of our candidates – direct, indirect and consensus.

“Now, the aspirants are not required as they complete the form to fill that page. The page is there only for those who make the decision at some point to withdraw from the race.”

Also reacting to the development, the APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, said filling out the controversial form is optional for all the presidential aspirants.

Omisore, however, disclosed that the party has not decided on which option to use in picking its candidates.