Jude Ezenwafor has stepped down his 2023 presidential ambition and offered an apology for causing discomfort.

Mr Ezenwafor, who emerged as a factional presidential candidate of Labour Party on Wednesday, said he decided to abandon his campaign on personal grounds.

“I hereby withdraw from the forthcoming election in 2023,” Mr Ezenwafor said in a statement first published by Band News on Thursday. “After consulting my supporters nationwide, I decided to withdraw for personal reasons.”

He also apologised for entering the raise, which caused some media outlets to report his emergence as a threat to Peter Obi’s presidential ambition.

“I regret any inconveniences my withdrawal might cost our party,” he added. “I thank the leadership of our great party for giving me the opportunity to serve Nigeria. Thank you and God bless you all.”

Mr Obi emerged as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate on May 30. He has been widely tipped as the third major candidate ahead of 2023 presidential election.

It was unclear what effect Mr Ezenwafor’s initial decision to challenge Mr Obi would have had on the former Anambra governor’s ambition. Mr Obi’s body had been recognised by the electoral office INEC, and Mr Ezenwafor once served as an aide to Mr Obi when he was governor.