2023 Presidency: I Won’t Use Proxies For My Political Aspirations – Emefiele

• Shuns APC presidential forms, appreciates sponsors

BY EDMOND ODOK – With political missiles and tantrums flying dangerously in his direction over the purported purchase of the N100 million All Progressives Congress (APC) Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the 2023 presidency, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, says proxies will not be used if he is ready for the contest.

Amid protestations from some quarters that his decision to join the political fray constitutes a serious danger to the Nigerian economy, the apex bank boss has publicly dismissed sweeping speculations about his interest in the presidential seat ahead of next year’s general elections.

Commenting on the extensive reports that three interest groups, the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), “Friends of Emefiele ” and “Emefiele Support Group” have bought the forms on his behalf, Emefiele said using his personal resources to pursue such political aspirations would be the way to go for him rather than proxies in the event that such a decision is made in future.

Writing on his verified Twitter handle, the CBN helmsman said; “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 to buy my own nomination forms. I will do so without proxies, in an open and transparent manner in full compliance with the laws and Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

According to him, continuous service to the country as CBN governor remains key for now until there is a divine call to seek a higher office, adding; “I will continue to serve and sacrifice for the good people of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Further going spiritual and clearly putting his fate on God, the CBN Governor said; “This is a serious decision that requires God’s Divine intervention: in the next few days The Almighty will so direct.”