Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Saturday, declared his ambition to contest the presidential race in the 2023 general elections.
Amaechi announced his interest in the race at a thanksgiving service organised by the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress.
The event was held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Igwuruta, near Port Harcourt.
Announcing his 2023 presidential aspiration, Amaechi told the gathering, “I stand before you today to declare my intention and submit my application to serve as your next President.”
It was learnt that Amaechi’s decision to throw his hat in the ring for next year’s presidential election arose from his consultations with various stakeholders across the country.
Earlier, a former APC governorship candidate, Dr Dakuku Peterside, had described the occasion as one to thank God for the party’s successful congresses and national convention, and also to honour Amaechi, whom he described as an excellent performer, urging the Minister to declare his interest in the Presidency without further delay.
Peterside declared Amaechi as eminently qualified to lead the country from 2023, assuring that he would bring his experiences to bear in transforming Nigeria.
He said in a press statement, “For years, APC in Rivers State did not have substantive officers to run her affairs. But, the party has returned to the path of stability, unity and by inference, the path of victory.
“The second reason is the election of our members to various offices at the zonal and national levels.
“APC, more than ever, is ready to take over the government house.”