…
The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello said Nigerians are calling on him to contest the 2023 presidential election because of his performance in his state.
Governor Bello said this on Wednesday during an interview session on Channels Television’s flagship programme, Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye.
Ebira Reporters monitored the interview wherein the Governor highlighted the achievements for which he is qualified for the job to include, unifying the people, providing security and making Kogi rated as the safest state in Nigeria.
Bello said his strides in Kogi put him ahead as the most qualified amongst others in the presidential race.
“If what we have done in Kogi State alone by uniting the people, by fighting insecurity head-on and making Kogi State the safest state in Nigeria today, by ensuring that there is equity, fairness and justice in Kogi State; if that is required, and they are asking me to come and replicate it at the national level, I would be glad to jump at it,” he said.
When asked if he would be stepping down for the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu at any point, the Governor said when he officially makes his declaration, he would see the race to the end.
“We are yet to make our intentions publicly known, so I don’t know where the issue of stepping down for anybody arise. In any case, when we declare, we going to be running the full hog by the grace of God,” he said.
The Governor declined comment on whether he has told President Muhammadu Buhari about his ambition, but added that he has kept the President abreast with his strides in Kogi State.
“The President has always been very pleased, and he continue to encourage me to continue to do my best,” he added.
On zoning arrangements, the Governor said every Nigerian is constitutionally qualified to vie, adding that he is the most qualified because he hails from a zone that has not produced President.
