IGBO PRESIDENCY: UMAHI, ORJI KALU DECLARES INTENTIONS

Patrick Ekong

The race for 2023 presidential ticket in the All Progressive Congress became more interesting Tuesday as Dave Umahi and Senator Orji Kalu declared intentions to run for the 2023 presidential seat.

Umahi declared his intention at the State House briefing after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari. 

The Ebonyi state governor said his presidential bid is a burning desire to replicate his infrastructural achievements in Ebonyi State at the National level.

Umahi disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has asked him to go and seek the support of his people.

Their declaration came barely 24hrs days after the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Bola Tinubu declared his intention at the State House press briefing Monday, after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari 

IGBO PRESIDENT 

Senator Orji while filling questions from State House Correspondents said that his aspiration for the Presidency is due to the fact that Igbo is ripped enough to produce the next President in Nigeria, adding he has no problems with the aspiration of the All Progressive Congress National Leader, Bola Tinubu. 

“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.”