Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has declared his intention to run for a senatorial seat at the expiration of his second term.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) said he would he running for the Imo West senatorial district in 2019.
However, he said he decided to run for the seat to prevent “bad people” from taking over the position.
The Imo West senatorial seat is currently being occupied by Senator Hope Uzodinma of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Okorocha said his initial intention was to gun for the presidency but he decided to step down the ambition to enable President Muhammadu Buhari secure and complete his second term.
He disclosed this in Owerri on Sunday.
He said, “I told you earlier that my interest is the Presidency but since President Buhari will be running in 2019 I decided to put my ambition on hold until he completes his tenure.
“But I have decided to run for the Imo West Senatorial zones because if I don’t, bad people will take the position.”
He added, “If my name appears on the ballot paper as contesting for Senate, it will boost APC chances in the State. And many from my Senatorial zone have come to me and said they will not contest if I am interested.”
Okorocha also endorsed his deputy, Eze Madumere for the Imo East senatorial zone and reaffirmed his choice of his Chief of Staff and son-in-law, Chief Uche Nwosu as his successor.