Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has formally declared his intention to run as presidential candidate, saying that he has informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his ambition in 2023 under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Umahi, made this known while speaking to State House Correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, January 11, saying that his presidency will replicate his progressive efforts in Ebonyi at the national level.
This comes barely a day after the former Governor of Lagos State and the National Leader of APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also informed the President of his intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election.
The Ebonyi state governor expressed belief in standing a chance against other “big political figures” if the APC throws the ticket open.
Speaking later on a televised interview the same day, he said his closeness with the head of state has given him a clear understanding of the President’s good intentions and will enable him to continue from where he stopped.
Recall that Umahi defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in November 2020 amidst criticisms, but was commended by President Buhari for the move.
Meanwhile, former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu also declared interest in the 2023 presidential race, while in an interview with newsmen at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on the same day.
He however stated that he would run if the APC zones its presidential ticket to the South East, and expressed belief in the South East’s readiness for the Presidency.
