2023: I’m not Amaechi’s running mate – El-Rufai

Success Nwanedo

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has insisted that he has no intention to run for the 2023 presidency or be a running mate to the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi as being rumoured on social media.

He said that he would only join the race either as a presidential aspirant or a running mate to Amaechi if President Muhammadu Buhari insists.

El-Rufai, who disclosed this while speaking as a guest on Channel Television’s Politics Today, on Wednesday night said the Minister of Transport has the right like any other qualified Nigerian to contest the position.

“I’ve said over and over that I’m not a contestant for any office. I’m not aspiring for anything. If Governor Rotimi Amaechi is interested in running for any office, he has the right to do so. But I’m not running for anything and I’m not going to be on his ticket,” he said.

The governor maintained that he has no intention of coming back to politics after leaving office next year, adding that he is tired and needs to rest.

“I’m physically tired because I do take my work seriously. The last eight years, I’ve worked myself flat out and I’m not young anymore.

“I’ll be 63 next year. So I prefer to look at other options to contribute to the development of my country but of course, I didn’t want to run for Governor but the President insisted so if he insists that I do something I have so much regard for him and his judgement that I’ll do it even reluctantly.”