A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, has denied endorsing the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, ahead of the 2023 general election.

Reports had earlier emerged that Falae, a former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), endorsed Obi as his preferred candidate for the 2023 presidency.

Reacting, the former SGF, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Personal Assistant, Captain M.A Raji (rtd.), said he will consider all important factors, including capacity, experience, and proven track record before endorsing a candidate.

The statement read: “The attention of Chief Olu Falae CFR, GCON has just been drawn to a publication that has gone viral in which the former Secretary to the Federal government is quoted as saying that he is supporting the candidature of Mr Peter Obi as his preferred choice in the 2023 Presidential race.

“Although, Chief Falae admitted that he said that it was true that the South East had not had the opportunity of being Nigeria’s President, it’s for them to persuade other Nigerians that they can offer something better than candidates from other geopolitical zones.

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“It’s not an automatic slot that can be filled without other important considerations, Chief Falae never canvassed or claimed to be supporting Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party for the 2023 race.

“As a responsible leader, Chief Falae will consider all important parameters, including capacity, experience and proven track record before endorsing a candidate.

“This correction is necessary in order not to mislead the public that Chief Falae is supporting any of the candidates yet.

“It is necessary to await the programmes and manifestos of the political parties and their candidates before arriving at a particular candidate to support,” Raji stated.

Raji further warned the acting leader of Afenifere, a Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Chief Ayo Adebanjo to “stop saying he’s speaking for Afenifere when he’s actually speaking for himself”, adding that Falae belong to the same Afenifere faction of Adebanjo.

The Star