Aduragbemi Omiyale
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The race for choosing the next Nigerian to occupy the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja next year is getting more interesting with the purchase of the presidential nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Mr Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
On Thursday, three groups; the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Friends of Emefiele and Emefiele Support Group gathered funds together to purchase the forms for the banker.
They stressed that the forms, which cost N100 million, were bought for Mr Emefiele because they believe he is the only responsible and responsive person to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2023.
Even though the CBN governor has not officially indicated an interest in running for the presidency, the group remains the only one that can rescue Nigeria from the lots of economic and security challenges.
They argued that Mr Emefiele has shown capacity, focus and courage as the CBN governor and has worked tirelessly with the economic team of President Buhari to keep the economy afloat above recession and outright collapse.
The group expressed confidence that their preferred candidate will likely accept the challenge to lead Nigeria to the Promised Land by throwing his hat in the ring.
Despite coming under pressure to declare his interest to participate in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Emefiele has consistently emphasised that he was focused on strengthening the nation’s economy and would not be distracted.
Those who want to become the successor of Mr Buhari when his 8-year tenure ends next year in the ruling APC are the Vice President, Mr Yemi Osinbajo; former Senate President, Mr Ken Nnamani; former Lagos State governor, Mr Bola Tinubu; Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Kayode Fayemi; the Minister of State for Education, Mr Emeka Nwajiuba; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Chris Ngige; former Governor of Imo State, Mr Rochas Okorocha, Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Dave Umahi; and former Governor of Abia State and serving senator, Mr Orji Uzor Kalu.
Others are the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi; Governor of Cross River, Mr Ben Ayade; former Governor of Edo State, Mr Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Godswill Akpabio; Governor of Kogi State; Mr Yahaya Bello; Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru; and the Minister of Science and Innovation, Mr Ogbonaya Onu.
