Senator-elect Dr Orji Uzor Kalu has withdrawn from contesting for the office of Deputy Senate President (DSP) for the 9th Senate in Nigeria.
The party on Monday announced Delta Central Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, as its preferred candidate for the position
Before the announcement, Mr Kalu had vowed not to step down for any candidate.
However, in a statement by his media office Monday evening, the Senator-elect hinged his decision to step down on party supremacy and his loyalty.
Endorsing Mr Omo-Agege, the senator said he would now throw his weight behind the party’s candidates across board.
He pledged his commitment to the APC and expressed appreciation to the President for his fatherly role in the affairs of the party.
He said:
“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.
“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 ninth National Assembly.
“The ninth 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”
