2023: Osinbajo at last declares intention to run for president

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has finally declared his intention to run for the office of president in 2023 general election.

Osinbajo, from Ogun State, seeks to succeed his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, whose second term in office ends in May 2023.

In his declaration speech posted on his social media handles, Osinbajo said he has, in the past seven years as vice president, “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 am today, with utmost humility formally declaring my intention to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of APC.

— Prof Yemi Osinbajo (@ProfOsinbajo) April 11, 2022

Osinbajo will challenge for the ticket of the ruling party, APC, with others who have declared their intentions; including ex-Lagos governor Bola Tinubu and transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi.

Below is his declaration speech:

“For the past seven (7) years, I have served as Vice President under a true Nigerian patriot, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“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 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.

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.