Fayose denies endorsing Obi, joins presidential race

Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has denied endorsing the candidacy of Peter Obi, a former Anambra governor, for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Fayose made the denial in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, debunking reports of himself declaring support for Mr Obi.

“No doubt, I have great respect for Peter Obi as a leader and I respect his aspiration, but at no point did I endorse his presidential ambition or that the presidency be zoned to Southeast,” the former governor clarified. “Rather, my take is that the presidency be zoned to the Southern part of Nigeria.”

He also declared his willingness to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in office next year by clinching the ticket of the opposition party.

“May I also state clearly that I will be seeking the ticket of the PDP to contest the next presidential election,” he added.