By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
“I ask you, my compatriots, particularly members of the our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to support my bid for the presidential ticket of the APC, and ultimately the next president of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
With these words, Senator Ibikunle Amosun officially declared his intention to run for the exalted Office of the President of Nigeria at his Declaration Event in Abuja on Thursday.
The two-time governor of Ogun state and second term Senator representing
Ogun Central Senatorial District, told the packed hall at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center, Abuja, that he has the capacity and capabilities to lead Nigeria in 2023.
According to him: “my wide-range experiences in both private and public life, in political parties and political alliances, in two of the three branches of government, that is, in the legislative and executive branches, and at every level of government in Nigeria, have imbued me with the requisite insights, the political vision, a deep understanding of the nature and strength of Nigeria’s diversity, economic management capability, and an extensive network of relationships adequate to provide a leadership that will galvanize our dear country to achieve her manifest destiny as the leading nation not only in Africa but in the black world”.
Speaking further, Amosun said: “Today, I am formally announcing my candidacy for the presidential ticket of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidency of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria. I do so conscious of the immensity of the tasks that lie ahead in our country and the magnitude of the sacrifices that anybody who wishes to lead our country into the next phase must make”.
The aspirant said he is confident in the future in Nigeria and great possibilities that lie ahead of Nigerians as a free people, adding that: “As Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe said in his Inuagural address to the nation on 16 November 1960, I am convinced about our capacity to “march together to a greater tomorrow for Nigeria in Unity and Faith”.
Amosun therefore said; ” Assured of the infinite grace of God, convinced about the actualization of the potential greatness of our country, and confident about my vision and capacity to lead this country, I ask you my compatriots, particularly members of the our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to support my bid for the presidential ticket of the APC, and ultimately the next president of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Earlier in her goodwill message delivered by a Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Administration and Women Affairs in the Office of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari felicitated with Senator Amosun and wished him good luck in his quest to lead Nigeria after President Muhammadu Buhari.
Also, Ekiti state governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi in his goodwill message said he has to reciprocate Senator Amosun’s gesture because he was at his own declaration a day earlier.
He said he would have been in Ebonyi state without President Buhari who is on a two-day State Visit but has to attend the event because it’s all about the race to be the person to better the lots of Nigerians.
“All I can say is that btw Dr. Kayode Fayemi and my brother Senator Ibikunle Amosun, anyone who gets the ticket of our great party, the other will still under the same tent.
“So it is not unusual for many aspirants to come forward especially anyone
that is genuinely committed to improving the living standard of Nigerians”, Gov. Fayemi ssid.
However, Senator Amosun’s colleagues in the Senate described him as generous, team leader, achiever and reliable person even as the Senate Leader Abdullahi Sabi said Nigeria will be safer in the hands of Amosun as the President.
Former and serving Senators who attended the event include Senators Ayo Arise, Issah Dansadau, Khiarat Gwadabe, Emmanuel Anosike, Abubakar Barau, Domingo Obende, Kola Anifowose, Isiaka Adetunbi and Francis Alemekhena among others.
Also present are Ambassador Jerry Ugokwe and Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Nigeria Ambassador to United kingdom
(UK) among other dignitaries from across the country.
