Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani joins 2023 Presidential race, vows to ‘improve on Buhari’s legacy’
By Ogaga Ariemu
Former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani has joined 2023 presidential race under the All Progressives Party(APC), he vowed to ‘improve on President Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy.’
Nnamani made this declaration on Friday while speaking to Journalists in Abuja.
The former Senator President joined a pool of aspirants like a former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi and a former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu; and ex-Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, Cross River State, Governor Ben Ayade, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, Minister of State, Education, Emeka Nwajiuba have openly declared their interest to succeed Buhari whose second tenure ends on May 29, 2023.
Nnamani noted that his credential as the President of the Senate and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Constitutional and Electoral Reform makes him the right candidate.
According to him, Nigeria faces very tough challenges now more than ever, adding that the country needs a man of tested integrity and competence to mobilise them to overcome these tough challenges.
“Different period requires different kind of leadership. In 2015, we needed a Buhari to take Nigeria away from the misdirection of the Peoples Democratic Party,” Nnamani said.
“In 2023, we need a leader who knows how to work across the divides and lead a coalition for competent and dedicated Nigeria to lay foundations for social stability and prosperity.
We need tested and trusted leaders who would reignite hope in the hearts of young Nigerians and unlock the competencies that we are losing to other nations.
“In 2023, we will need a Ken Nnamani to help unite Nigeria, deepen democracy, and rebuild the social and economic infrastructure of sustainable development based on production and fair distribution.
“This is a season of politics. The season of politics is often a season of empty promises and of needless drama. Many persons will make claims that are unrelated to reality. But this is not time for such frivolities. This is time for aspirants to present their ideas and visions for a better Nigeria. Such ideas and visions will be matched with the right pedigree.
“My pedigree and previous accomplishments in high office in Nigeria lend credence to the fact that I am a good fit to the challenges of this moment in Nigerian history. I am aspiring to be President in 2023 because I believe that at this period of grave crisis, Nigeria needs to be reinvented to be a modern, democratic state that prioritises the socioeconomic wellbeing of its citizens; to be restructured from inefficient consumption to production; and to be led with integrity and compassion.
He said following the resonating clamour that the next president of Nigeria should come from the Southeast, the region owes other Nigerians the reciprocal respect of bringing forth the best to lead.
He said many southeasterners and other Nigerians, especially his colleagues in the National Assembly, have asked me to avail the Nigerian nation the characteristic honest, competent, and disciplined leadership he is known for.
“If I am not convinced that I will provide the leadership that can overcome the tough challenge we are faced today, I would not express intention to be the candidate of my party for the 2023 presidential election,” he added.
The former Senate President added that the high nomination fees parties ask aspirants to pay for elective offices in Nigeria need rethinking.
He stressed the need for the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to regulate both the costs of nominations and campaign expenses.
This according to him, is necessary to improve the inclusion of youths, women and most Nigerians who earn salaries in an economy that has become distressed, largely on account of global economic meltdown and domestic insecurity and low productivity.
