The race to snatch the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 elections has become more competitive following the declaration by Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi and Senator Orji Kalu to join the race.
Africa Today News, New York reports that their declarations came barely 24 hours after APC chieftain and former Lagos State Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, indicated his interest to become Nigeria’s next President.
Governor Umahi declared his intention at a State House press briefing after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.
Umahi said his presidency will replicate his progressive efforts in Ebonyi at the national level.
He said he intends to bring a business-like spirit into governance.
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According to him, President Buhari responded to his interest by asking him to seek the support of the people.
In his declaration, Senator Kalu said while he has nothing against the aspiration of Mr Tinubu, he believes that the South-East is ripe for the Presidency and that it should be the turn of the region to produce the next President.
‘I do not see Tinubu’s aspiration having any effect on the President of Nigeria coming from the Igbo area. Because we are talking based on what Nigeria should be. We are talking based on what people should believe. Obasanjo has been President for eight years. Osinbajo is doing eight years as Vice President. And no Igbo man since independence has been a democratically elected President. So it is always good to think of what is reasonable and what will be more sellable.
‘I’m the most prepared Presidential candidate in Nigeria. I’m capable healthwise, I’m capable as a person, I’m capable in my pocket. I’m capable to face anybody. But the party is supreme. I only wait for APC as a party.
‘For me, contesting for President is not the issue. The issue is who is going to lead the country into an economic miracle, into a turnaround. I’m not against Tinubu. If it’s zoned to his area and the party said he should go. Well, the party is supreme. I’m only waiting for the party.’
Many other bigwigs are expected to make their ambitions public in the coming days.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK