Governor Yahaya Bello has officially declared his intention to vie for the presidency in 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Yahaya Bello made the declaration at Eagles Square, Abuja on Saturday.
He said he was prepared to replicate his achievements in his two terms as governor of Kogi on the national level if elected Nigeria’s president.
The governor hailed President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he said strived to reposition the country in spite of daunting challenges.
Read Also: 2023: “A failed state governor can’t be president” – Sowore mocks Yahaya Bello over declaration
Yahaya Bello said, “I am running for president because I see a bright light shining at the end of the tunnel for our nation. I am not one of those who always see doom. What God has helped us to do in Kogi state, by the grace of God we will replicate the same in Nigeria.
“I thank God Almighty who has blessed me with life, health, good family and well wishers. But for God, I wouldn’t have had no story to tell at all. I am grateful for the opportunities to serve my country.
“Despite the difficulties we face today, the privilege of being a Nigerian is one I cherish so dearly. Dear friends and fellow patriots, I wish to declare my intention to run for president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 general election.
“I will be doing so under the auspices of our great party, the APC. I will be running on the broad political philosophy of progressive activism through social action and political reforms.
“We are so blessed as a nation and yet it does not always seem so. I am running to restore hope by providing guarantees for security, unity and progress to all Nigerians. Our focus will be proper management of our great diversities, so that it can really be an advantage. We will foster more cooperation and integration amongst citizens and make sure that progress is made steadily across all sectors and indicators.
“Despite the challenges facing Nigeria today, no one can deny that President Muhammadu Buhari has given our country the greatest investment since this fourth republic began. In addition, this administration has invested heavily in our national security. The war against insecurity may be taking longer than earlier expected, but President Buhari has ensured that we have the combat resources.”
Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello has appointed Hafsat Abiola-Costello, daughter of the late Bashorun MKO Abiola, as the Director-General of his campaign organisation.
The aspirant also appointed Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina as the National Coordinator and Chairman of the presidential campaign and a former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode as the Deputy National Coordinator and Deputy Chairman.