The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, says he is not running for president.
On Friday, some groups purchased the presidential nomination form of the APC for the CBN governor, asking him to join the 2023 presidential race.
This was followed by fierce criticism by Nigerians that believe Mr Emefiele’s action could be considered economic sabotage, and national voices including Oby Ezekwesili and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu demanded his immediate resignation.
But on Saturday, Emefiele who said he’s humbled by the “growing interest of those asking that I run for the Office of President in the 2023 general elections” added that he has not taken the decision on that.
“I am humbled by the growing interest of those asking that I run for the Office of President in the 2023 general elections: I have not come to that decision.
“I note and salute the sacrifices of those farmers and patriots going as far as raising personal funds and offering me Presidential Nomination Forms: I thank them most profusely.
“However, Should I answer their calls and decide to seek presidential nomination, I will use my own hard earned savings from over 35 years of banking leadership to buy my own Nomination Forms, without proxies in an open and transparent manner in full compliance with the laws and Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“And should I not run for elected office, I will continue to serve and sacrifice for the good people of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. This is a serious decision that requires God’s Divine intervention: in the next few days The Almighty will so direct,” the apex Bank boss said on Saturday via his verified twitter account.
