2023: Okorocha, Saraki join Presidential Race, Former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, has declared his intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election.
Okorocha made this known in a letter read at plenary by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday.
The former governor will on Monday, January 31, 2022, address a world press conference to speak more on his ambition.
In the letter, Okorocha said: “As you are aware, the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced the timetable for the conduct of 2023 general election, including that of the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“With elections drawing nearer as the days go by, our citizens are concerned about the quality of persons to run the affairs of our nation, one who can address some of their major concern which includes;
“A detribalised Nigerian who can unite our country,
“A leader with a compassionate heart, who will care for the poor and downtrodden and the masses of our country,”
“It is as a result of these concerns that I wish to hold a world press conference on my intention to run for the office of the President of our dear Nation.
“I, therefore, wish to solicit for your prayers as I make known my intention.” Okorocha concluded.
Meanwhile, the ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki has also hinted at running for the presidency in 2023.
Saraki make the revelation while reacting to a follower, who urged him to rescue Nigeria.
2023: Okorocha, Saraki join Presidential Race
In a post on his official Facebook, he had urged Nigerians to work with him as he pushes for the presidency.
The post reads: “Earlier, I replied to a follower of mine on Twitter, who like thousands of you, has been clamouring for a united front to #RescueNigeria.
“Join me to make our communities safer and provide real opportunities for you and your families. I have a strong record of delivering and experience in making tough decisions.”
In the meantime, the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has suffered another attack on Wednesday, as another group of politicians within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Justice and Equity Group (JEG), asked him to drop his 2023 aspiration.
However, the Raymond Dokpesi-led campaign for the realisation of Abubakar’s presidency in 2023 has insisted that the ex-vice president remains the best material for the nation’s number one office.
In a statement by its coordinator and former Deputy Majority Whip of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Muktar, JEG said: “While it is undemocratic to ask a qualified Nigerian not to contest for presidency, we agree substantially that Atiku Abubakar has had his time and opportunities.
“He (Atiku) was presented in 2018/2019 as the only one with the capacity, the financial muscle, the experience to beat President Muhammadu Buhari. He fluffed the chance given to him by PDP. Age is also not on his side on 2023.”
It is envisaged that many other politicians across political parties will also declare their presidential ambition in the buildup to the 2023 presidential race in Nigeria.