TheCable

Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River state, says he has not backed down on his presidential ambition.

Duke made the statement in a telephone interview with NAN.

He said the speculations that he had dumped the aspiration were untrue, explaining that he had not officially declared for the number one seat in the country for strategic reasons.

“Sometime ago, I said I will run for the presidency of the country if the opportunity presented itself,” he said.

“Yes, my presidential ambition is still intact, I am only waiting for the opportunity to present itself to make the right move,’’ he said.

Asked on what platform he would run, especially as he is a member of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s inspired “Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM)” , he said it was too early to decide.

He, however, said he was still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I am still a member of the PDP, at the same time a member of the coalition which is not a political party,” he said.

“The coalition will definitely align with a political party to achieve its goals, otherwise it will make no sense. I can’t say yet the platform on which I will run if the opportunity presents itself. We are still watching and will take the right step at the right time.”

On the spate of abductions and killings in some parts of the country, Duke described the situation as disturbing.

He urged the relevant authorities to confront the problem head-on for the peace and stability of the nation.