I am not contesting for presidency-Oshiomhole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has denied insinuations in sections of the media on Wednesday that he would contest the presidential ticket of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

According to Oshiomhole, while he remains committed to the Nigerian Project, his focus for now is on accelerating the pace of development in Edo State.

In a statement signed by the governor and made available by Government House to journalists, Oshiomhole said: “following persistent inquiries from friends, political associates and well meaning Nigerians both at home and abroad over speculations of my interest in the 2015 presidential election, and media comments by my aides, I wish to categorically state that I am not contesting for the 2015 presidential election.

My focus now is to continue with our efforts to accelerate the pace of our development programmes to take Edo State to the next level.

Today, I believe my party, the APC, has enough credible materials to pick from to fly the party’s flag in the 2015 presidential election.

Anyone conversant with my antecedents will attest that I am not the type who does things half-heartedly. If I had resolved to run in 2015 I would have come out boldly and publicly to declare my intention.

Recall that in 2007 shortly after the expiration of my tenure, as two-term President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, I similarly came under pressure from well-meaning Nigerians from across all the divides (including foremost human rights lawyer and activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory) to vie for the presidency.

But convinced that anyone genuinely interested in service could do so in any capacity, I insisted against popular demand not to contest the presidency but the governorship of Edo State in 2007 and, to the Glory of God, I won. Again, in 2012, I sought re-election and resoundingly won.

I remain absolutely committed to the Nigerian project. I offer this clarification to clear the air, once and for all.”

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