Senator Orji Kalu has stepped down in his race for the Deputy Senate President of the ninth Senate.
Orji’s last-minute withdrawal follows his party’s support for another candidate to take the position.
The senator’s party, All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday announced Delta Central Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, as its preferred candidate for the position.
Orji, who had recently vowed to stay in the race, on Monday evening, hinged his decision to step down on party supremacy and his loyalty.
The former Abia State governor said he would now support Mr Omo-Agege to clinch the position.
“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 (returning senators and senators–elect),” Orji said.
“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 election of principal officers of the National Assembly holds on Tuesday (today).
