FormerAbia State and current Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu, said he is capable healthwise and in every other way to contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket.
He also said that he remained ready to challenge APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for the party’s 2023 presidential ticket.
According to Kalu, the clamour for a President of Igbo extraction in 2023 will not be affected by Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television just days after Tinubu declared his intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election, Kalu said: “I do not see Tinubu’s aspiration having any effect on a President of Nigeria coming from Igbo area.
“It has no effect because we are talking based on what Nigeria should be, based on what people should believe.
“Obasanjo had been President for eight years. Osinbajo is about to conclude eight years as Vice President. Yet, no Igbo man since independence has been democratically elected as President.
“So, it’s always good to think of what is reasonable and what is more sellable.
“That thing is almost like dead on arrival because it is not going to work.
When asked if he has what it takes to win the APC presidential ticket ahead of Tinubu, he replied, “I’m the most prepared presidential candidate in Nigeria.
“I’m capable health-wise and as a person, and also capable to face anybody. But the party is supreme. I’m only waiting for the APC.
“I’m not against Tinubu. If the presidential ticket is zoned to his area and the party gives him the go-ahead, that’s supreme. I’m only waiting for the party.
“But to run for President, I think I’m the most prepared. I did it in 2007.
“If I consider running, I’ll be the most formidable candidate at Eagles Square. I have everything it takes to face any candidate.”
Further asked if Tinubu’s ambition will deprive the Igbo of the chance to produce a President, he said, “I don’t want to talk about his ambition.
“All I know is that as long as the party is zoning it to the South, the South-East should take preference to anybody that is trying to run. That is what it should be and that is what I will stand for.”
On whether he will be ready to face Tinubu when he eventually declares his intention to run, Kalu responded, “I’ll be ready to face him at Eagles Square for the ticket and I will get it and be President.”