Former Anambra State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2019 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has declared interest to contest for the presidency of Nigeria in 2023.
Obi made the declaration at the Anambra State Government conference hall Agu-Awka, before traditional rulers from the state.
He said that he decided to declare his intention first before the monarchs in order to seek their blessings, adding that he needed their prayers and support for the project to be successful.
“I am talking to the traditional rulers because if somebody begins any journey he must first tell his fathers.
“I am telling you as my fathers that I am coming out to contest the position of the president of Nigeria.
“You know me and you know how Nigeria is today. In 2019, I went with Atiku as the vice-presidential candidate but today I want to come out on my own.
“I just came to seek your blessings as the traditional rulers of the state,” he said.
Obi said he would be running for the post if PDP zones the ticket to the south.
He said that after careful studies of Nigeria, he discovered that the country is at the lowest ebb and needed somebody like him to move it forward.
Saying that he strongly believes in one united Nigeria, Obi said he is in the race to move Nigeria forward.
“If I am voted as the president, I will secure Nigeria, create jobs for the teaming youths of the country and pull Nigeria out of poverty.
“Everything I have done regarding resources, I have managed them proudly.
“I want to move this country forward. I’m a Nigerian, I believe in one united Nigeria, I want it secure.
“I am not just aspiring for the political position but to serve and move the country forward.
“I have all it takes to be president and move the country forward,” he said.