After months of speculations, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday formally announced his entrance into the 2023 presidential race.
Osibanjo’s declaration came after he met with the governors of the All Progressive Congress, APC, at his private residence on Sunday night.
From a video of his declaration shared on his official Twitter handle @ProfOsinbajo, the VP said in part, “For the past seven (7) years, I have served as Vice President under a true Nigerian patriot, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“In these 7 years, while on the train of duty and service, I traversed every part of our country, meeting Nigerians of every cadre, class, tribe and walks of life, both young and old; I MET YOU.
“I’ve stood where you stand and sat where you sit. I know and I understand our hopes, aspirations and fears from a place of relatable proximity; and I believe that in those hopes and aspirations are the seeds for the great Nigeria that we all desire.
“I believe that the very reason why the Almighty God gave me these experiences, these insights, and these opportunities, is that they must be put to the use of our country and its great peoples.
“This is why today, with utmost humility, I formally declare my intention to run for the office of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the platform of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.
“I also most solemnly and respectfully seek your support as fellow Nigerians everywhere in this land and the diaspora, as we embark on this great and exciting journey that lies ahead of us.”
Meanwhile, Monday’s presidential declaration of Prof Osibanjo apparently forced his political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to meet with some APC governors.
Twelve APC Governors under the banner of APC held the closed-door meeting with the APC national leader currently at the Kebbi State Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.
After the meeting, Tinubu told newsmen that he met with the governors to solicit their support and encouragement regarding his 2023 presidential aspiration.
He said: “My mission is to seek the collaboration, encouragement and support of my party, the APC, for my ambition and mission to become the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
I am today, with utmost humility formally declaring my intention to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of APC. pic.twitter.com/atggfEnF2Q
— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) April 11, 2022
