The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has confirmed his withdrawal from Kebbi governorship race.
Mr Malami dismissed media reports that he resigned as minister.
“Malami has the right to choose to voluntarily shelve his gubernatorial ambition. It is a matter of personal conviction and individual right which didn’t violate any law,” Mr Malami’s spokesman Umar Gwandu said in a statement.
“Right thinking members of the society accord respect to individual’s right to freedom of choice in matters relating to this.
“As individual Nigerian citizens with inalienable fundamental rights, we are not aware of any legally justifiable and reasonable tenable obligations compelling the person of Abubakar Malami, SAN or as an Attorney General of the Federation to do otherwise.
“The decision is not only a demonstration of altruism and patriotism, but of contentment, self-control, placidity and decisiveness in problem-solving at a time shrouded with confusing and competing stimulus. It is a commendable posture worthy admiration coming from a paragon of virtue.”
