Nigeria’s Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has officially declared his intention to join the presidential race in the upcoming 2023 presidential elections.
The Vice President made his intentions known on Monday in a short broadcast shared across his social media platforms.
In his speech, Osibanjo said he has worked in synergy with his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari to meet the needs of Nigerians.
According to him, he wants to build on the legacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of President Buhari.
His declaration reads in part, “In the past seven years, I have served as Vice President under a true Nigerian patriot, a servant of the nation in war and peace, and a man of integrity, President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We have, together, worked through some of the most difficult times in the history of our Nation, but we have remained focused on securing the country, providing infrastructure and growing our economy.
“As stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution, our tenure will end next year.
“In this period of seven years, I have served the government in several capacities, and have, at the direction of Mr President, represented our country in sensitive high level international engagements. I have been to practically all local governments in Nigeria.
“I have been in markets, factories, schools, and farms. I have been in agricultural, mining and oil-producing communities; in the Delta, in Kebbi, Enugu, Borno; Rivers, Plateau and Ondo; & in all other States of the federation, listening to the diverse experiences and yearnings of our people.
“I have visited our gallant troops in the North East and our brothers and sisters in the IDP camps. I have felt the pain and anguish of victims of violent conflicts, terrorist attacks, flooding, fire and other disasters.
“I have been in the homes of many ordinary Nigerians in various parts of the country. I have sat with our technopreneurs in Lagos, Edo, and Kaduna, with our Nollywood and Kannywood actors; with our musicians, from Lagos, Onitsha, and Kano. And I have spoken to small and large businesses.
“I stood where they stood and sat where they sat. I know their hopes, aspirations and fears; 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.
“Which is why I am today, with utmost humility, formally declaring 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.”
Continuing, he said, “If by the grace of God and the will of the people. If I am given the opportunity, then I believe that first, we must complete what we have started; radically transforming our security and intelligence architecture.
“Completing the reform of our justice system focusing on adequate remuneration and welfare of judicial personnel, ensuring justice for all and the observance of rule of law, rapidly advancing our infrastructure development, especially power, roads, railways and broadband connectivity.
“Taking the agriculture revolution to the next level especially mechanization and developing the farm to table value chain, making sure that the government, its agencies and regulators serve the business community.
He said his administration will ensure the creation of a tech. the economy that will provide jobs for millions among other things.
