A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Doyin Okupe, has announced his withdrawal from the 2023 presidential race, throwing his weight behind Peter Obi, another PDP aspirant. 

Mr Okupe announced his withdrawal during a press conference in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

The former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan said he was withdrawing from the race and backing the former Anambra State governor  because the apex Yoruba group, Afenifere has backed a presidential candidate from the South-East.

According to Mr Okupe, it will only be fair for the PDP to honour the zoning agreement to eliminate the “majority against minority syndrome.” 

He also advised governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and other aspirants to jettison their ambition and support Mr Obi.

“I was the first to declare for presidency in Nigeria. I turned 70 years a few days ago, and I have made a covenant with my maker that for the rest of my life, I shall uphold this spirit and principles of our forebears as manifestly displayed and represented in our collective socio-political heritage – The Afenifere.

“In aligning myself with the wishes of our elders and in the interest of equity and justice, I publicly admit that the 2023 political race must be conceded to the South-East; that is, the Igbos,” Mr Okupe said.