Ekiti State governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has declared his intention to run for the 2023 presidency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC has fixed May 30, 31 and June 1st, 2022 for its presidential primary.
Fayemi who declared at the Transcorps Hilton Hotel on Wednesday in Abuja, said he would enthrone good governance, national unity and cohesion.
Fayemi’s declaration was witnessed by his wife Erelu Bisi, Ekiti APC governorship aspirant, Biodun Oyebanji, members of Ekiti House of Assembly and traditional rulers from the state.
He said he was honoured by by the presence of Nigerians at the declaration, saying that their presence has further encouraged him in actualising his presidential ambition.
“Your presence reinforces my personal conviction that we are at a moment in the history of our country and of the world at large where we must. As a people, make the choices that will ensure that our nation is able to prosper in peace, unity, safety and security in the comity of nations.”
“At trying times such as we were traversing as a nation which is also being witnessed on a global scale could, if properly managed, be converted into transformatory moments. This will allow both for the achievement of a fundamental national reset and a major leap forward in our affairs, as a people, I believe that if guided by the right leadership coalition, Nigerians are determined not to allow tough times to deter them or to lose sight of the gains of a better country,” he said.
Fayemi said he joined the presidential race not with prior assumptions about what it would yield nor with any sense of personal entitlement.
“However, after a careful consideration of where we are as a nation and the many perspectives which are emerging about the challenges, old and new, which we must gird our loins to tackle and transcend.
“I am convinced that my entry into the race to bear the standard of the APC will offer our members and Nigerians the opportunity to examine competing visions for national rebirth in the best interest of our country.
“And it is on the foundation of a clear vision accompanied by a carefully thought out programme of action that I present my candidature. I do so fully convinced on the basis of what I have experienced, heard, and seen about the demands of the times and the aspirations of our people,” he said.
With this declaration, Fayemi would slug it out with many other aspirants including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello; Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi; national leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; a former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige; Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade and others at the presidential primary.
