Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi state, has declared his intention to run for president in 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor made his intention official on Saturday at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
Bello, who is completing a second term as governor, highlighted the achievements of his government and said he would replicate the same at the national level if elected president.
While acknowledging the current challenges in the country, Bello hailed President Muhammadu Buhari whom he said had done much for the country.
Bello said he will be running on the “broad political philosophy of progressive activism through social action and political reforms”.
“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,” he said.
“I thank God Almighty who has blessed me with life, health, good family and well-wishers. But for God, I wouldn’t have had a 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.”
Bello added that under the APC government, Nigeria is pushing forward.
