- Biden is the first sitting president not to seek re-election since 1968 when Lyndon Johnson halted his campaign as his popularity sank during the Vietnam War.
- Biden had said he would remain as President and Commander-in-Chief until his term ends in January 2025.
US President Joe Biden has shared his reasons for pulling out of the upcoming election.
Within Nigeria reported that the US President had on July 21 announced his withdrawal from the race.
Biden, now 81, has had a long and distinguished career in politics, serving as Vice President under Barack Obama.
During Obama’s presidency, Biden aligned himself with other Democrats in supporting Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid, which ultimately lost to Donald Trump.
However, Biden bounced back in 2020, defeating Trump in the presidential election and making history as the oldest person to assume the presidency at 77.
Despite this achievement, Biden’s presidency has been dogged by controversy, particularly surrounding concerns about his health and fitness for office.
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the election comes amid these challenges, marking a significant development in the country’s political landscape.
The issue reached its height after Trump defeated him by a wide margin in a presidential debate some weeks ago.
Biden had consistently resisted pressure to quit until he announced it in a post on his X handle, on Sunday.
While announcing his decision to step down, Biden said he would remain as President and Commander-in-Chief until his term ends in January 2025.
Speaking in a televised address on Wednesday night, Biden said he ended his re-election campaign in a bid to save US democracy.
According to him, he endorsed his deputy, Kamala Harris, to unite their fellow Democrats and the country.
He said: “I revere this office. But I love my country more. I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.
“That is the best way to unite our nation.”
The US president said he believed his record warranted a second term, but “nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition”.
He added: “The great thing about America is here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”