Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says he is yet to indicate interest in next year’s presidential race.
Mr Emefiele was reported to have declared his intention on Friday when he addressed State House Correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the seat of power.
A support group was also reported to have picked the expression of interest and nomination forms on his behalf at the national secretariat of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
Hours after the news broke out, Nigerians, including Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and other civil society groups began demanding the resignation of the apex bank boss.
Tweeting on Saturday afternoon, he denied declaring for the top job, saying when he finally decide, he will use his hard earned funds to pick the presidential form and not use proxies.
“I am humbled by the growing interest of those asking that I run for the Office of President in the 2023 general elections: I have not come to that decision,” he clarified. “I note and salute the sacrifices of those farmers and patriots going as far as raising personal funds and offering me Presidential Nomination Forms: I thank them most profusely.
“However, Should I answer their calls and decide to seek presidential nomination, I will use my own hard earned savings from over 35 years of banking leadership to buy my own Nomination Forms, without proxies in an open and transparent manner in full compliance with the laws and Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria. And should I not run for elected office, I will continue to serve and sacrifice for the good people of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“This is a serious decision that requires God’s Divine intervention: in the next few days The Almighty will so direct,” he concluded.
