Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s Vice President, has joined next year’s presidential race after months of speculations.
Mr Osinbajo who has severally denied nursing the ambition to succeed his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, finally declared interest in the top job on Monday.
“For the past seven (7) years, I have served as Vice President under a true Nigerian patriot, President Muhammadu Buhari,” Mr Osinbajo said in a Facebook post. “In these 7 years, while on the train of duty and service, I traversed every part of our country, meeting Nigerians of every cadre, class, tribe and walks of life, both young and old; I MET YOU.
“I’ve stood where you stand and sat where you sit. I know and I understand our hopes, aspirations and fears from a place of relatable proximity; and I believe that in those hopes and aspirations are the seeds for the great Nigeria that we all desire.
“I believe that the very reason why the Almighty God gave me these experiences, these insights, and these opportunities, is that they must be put to the use of our country and its great peoples.
“This is why today, with utmost humility, I formally declare my intention to run for the office of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the platform of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.
“I also most solemnly and respectfully seek your support as fellow Nigerians everywhere in this land and the diaspora, as we embark on this great and exciting journey that lies ahead of us,” he appealed.
With his declaration, he will struggle with his rivals in the All Progressive Congress (APC) including his benefactor and former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu, for the presidential ticket of the ruling party.
