Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday, formally declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fayemi, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), made the declaration when he addressed a news conference at the Transcop Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

He promised to address Nigeria’s security challenge by leading the military in the frontline against bandits and terrorists.

The governor further vowed to place priority on the economy, agriculture, and infrastructure as well as ensure good governance, unity, and national cohesion.

Governor Fayemi said he decided to join the race after consultations with political associates, traditional rulers, and APC critical stakeholders.

He said he was honoured by the presence of Nigerians at the declaration, saying that their presence has further encouraged him in actualising his presidential ambition.

The governor said: “Your presence reinforces my personal conviction that we are at a moment in the history of our country and of the world at large where we must.

“As a people, make the choices that will ensure that our nation is able to prosper in peace, unity, safety, and security in the comity of nations.

“At trying times such as we were traversing as a nation which is also being witnessed on a global scale could, if properly managed, be converted into transformative moments.

“This will allow both for the achievement of a fundamental national reset and a major leap forward in our affairs, as a people, I believe that if guided by the right leadership coalition, Nigerians are determined not to allow tough times to deter them or to lose sight of the gains of a better country.”

Fayemi stated that he joined the presidential race not with prior assumptions about what it would yield nor with any sense of personal entitlement.

“However, after careful consideration of where we are as a nation and the many perspectives which are emerging about the challenges, old and new, which we must gird our loins to tackle and transcend.

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“I am convinced that my entry into the race to bear the standard of the APC will offer our members and Nigerians the opportunity to examine competing visions for national rebirth in the best interest of our country.

“And it is on the foundation of a clear vision accompanied by a carefully thought out programme of action that I present my candidature.

“I do so fully convinced on the basis of what I have experienced, heard, and seen about the demands of the times and the aspirations of our people,” he added.

Governor Fayemi’s declaration was witnessed by his wife, Bisi Fayemi, Ekiti APC governorship aspirant, Biodun Oyebanji, members of Ekiti House of Assembly, and traditional rulers from the state.

No fewer than 10 aspirants have so far joined the APC presidential race.

Some of the APC presidential aspirants include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and Sen. Rochas Okorocha.

Others are Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige; Minister of State for Education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajuba; Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State.

The Star