Louis Téyi Lawson-Gallus has withdrawn his candidacy for the Togolese Football Federation (FTF) presidency in the 9 January election.
In a letter to the media Wednesday, Lawson-Gallus said he would instead vie again for the post of executive board adviser.
The retired senior banker and former FTF treasurer (1998 to 2002) said his decision was based on the "multiple candidacies", which, he said, could complicate the voters' choice.
With his withdrawal, candidates in the race are incumbent president Colonel Rock Gnassingbé; Messan Agbéyomé Kodjo, former Youth and Sports minister, former parliament speaker and ex-Prime Minister (2000-2002); Tata Adaglo Avlessi, businessman, manager of premier league side USM, and Auguste Sagbo, businessman, manager of Lome Agaza omnisports and former FTF first vice-president (1994-1998).
An Independent Electoral Commission set up by FIFA and CAF and chaired by CAF's first vice-president, Togolese Séyi Mèmène, will conduct the FTF election.
ARTICLES SUR LE MÊME THÈME
Togo adopts a new constitution
Togolese lawmakers adopted a new constitution on Monday, moving the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
Promoting multi-alignment
The African Political Alliance (APA) was launched in May 2023 at the initiative of Togo, aiming to create an informal framework for cooperation among countries sharing the ideals of pan-Africanism and those determined to work towards a politically strong, independent, self-assured, and non-aligned Africa.
China to support Togo in safeguarding its sovereignty, security -Wang Yi
China will continue to firmly support Togo in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.