Barely 24 hours after national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Bola Tinubu had declared his intention to contest as president in 2023, the governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Dave Umahi, today announced his interest for the office
Umahi disclosed his presidential ambition after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in presidential villa.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Umahi confirmed that he discussed the issue with Buhari, who asked him to go and seek the support of the people.
He said he had a better chance to emerge as APC presidential candidate going by his pedigree as a governor in one of the south east states.
“I belief my outstanding performance as governor of Ebonyi State in the last close to seven years stands me out as someone who can replicate same if elected President of Nigeria,” he said.
He added that he would begin to consult widely about his presidential ambition having informed the President who is the leader of the APC.
Asked if he had informed the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze, about his ambition, the governor said that was not necessary adding that the group should not involve itself in politics.
“I’m not sure Ohanaeze should be involved in politics. They should just not dabble into the unfolding politics of 2023,” he said.
Meanwhile, the chief whip of the senate and former governor of Abia State, Mr. Orji Kalu, said he would consider contesting for president if the APC zones its presidential ticket to the southeast region.
Speaking with NAN in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu commended the pro-democracy groups drumming up support for him to vie for president in 2023.
Many pro-democracy groups have endorsed him and expressed their readiness to see that he emerges as the flag bearer of the APC in the 2023 presidential election.
Also, Kalu’s presidential campaign posters have been spotted in major cities across the country.
He said the groups had found him worthy to deliver good governance to the nation.
“I want to continue to thank people who are putting up my posters all over Nigeria, I have not made up my mind whether to vie for president or not.
“But if opportunity is given to the southeast, I will think again to see if there is room because the party has not said where they are zoning the president to.
“But I know the party will bring a president who will work for the unity of the country which is more important,” he said.
