A former presidential aide, Doyin Okupe, and 2023 presidential aspirant has withdrawn from the presidential race to support the ambition of ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.

He made this known on Wednesday at a press conference held at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Okupe, who is also a former National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), revealed that he withdrew from the race because leader of socio-political group, Aferenire, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, appealed to him to withdraw from the race.

He also called on Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and other aspirants to jettison their ambition to support Obi.

“In aligning myself with the wish 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.

“I, therefore, here and now proclaim that I am, as I have said publicly several times, withdrawing from the presidential race and I am declaring my support for the best aspirant not only in Igboland, but in Nigeria as a whole.

“I and my supporters within and outside the PDP are teaming up with His Excellency, Peter Obi.

“At the same time, I want to enjoin all other aspirants from the South; Chief Dele Momodu, Senator Anyim, and His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike to come with me and let us team up with Peter Obi. So we can give the South the best possible chance”, he said.