TheCable

Oby Ezekwesili, former vice-president of the World Bank, has declared to run for president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, the two-time minister disclosed that she will be running on the platform of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with profound gratitude, sincere humility, and deep responsibility that I accept this nomination for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said.

“I start by expressing my thanks to the leadership and members of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), for your belief and whole-hearted response to my vision for Nigeria, which has brought us here together today.

“To the love of my life, Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili, to our children… I would not be taking this historical step, without the consensus of my family, you have been my support and inspiration.”

The 55-year-old co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, went on to say that this has been the toughest decision of her life.

“I have taken some really difficult decisions in my 55 years on this earth, but I want to say to you, that choosing this challenge to run for president of our great nation is the toughest decision that I have ever had to make.

“I believe that every generation faces its defining moment, and for us, this is our defining moment.”

Earlier, Tunde Bakare, serving overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, had revealed that Ezekwesili will be running for president, while he will also be running for true nationhood.

Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, Bakare said “yes, I am running. I am running for a united Nigeria that will birth the New Nigeria. I am running to begin to stir conversations around the seven-point agenda. I am running to lead Nigerians in a movement to demand the adoption of the pragmatic steps towards restructuring Nigeria”.

“But don’t get it mixed up. I am not running with my name on the ballot paper; my name is in the Book of Life. I am not running for any office in the 2019 elections; the doctrine of my election stands sure.

“I am not running on the platform of any political party; I am building a political family. For those who care to listen, I am the nationhood candidate. I am stepping in to pitch the unyielding political class against God and His agenda for our nation.”