The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected Oby Ezekwesili‘s withdrawal from the 2019 presidential race.

It is too late for any candidate to withdraw, INEC has said, as it is only 3 weeks away from the presidential elections, The Cable reports.

Ezekwesili had withdrawn from the race on Thursday morning, saying she’s ready to join a coalition.

Her withdrawal had forced her party, Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), to denounce her and endorse President Muhammadu Buhari for a 2nd term.

INEC has said the deadline for withdrawal has long passed.

It is impossible for any presidential candidate to withdraw from the race now. According to the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 General Elections, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was 17th November, 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

The deadline for Ezekwesili or any candidate in that category to withdraw or be replaced has passed.