Emefiele Pulls Out From Presidential Race

Following outrage from Nigerians, CBN Governor Emefiele has dropped out of the presidential contest.

Despite confirmation from officials of the All Progressives Congress, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has backtracked after receiving strong criticism from Nigerians, saying he did not buy a presidential form to run for president (APC).

This online news outlet understands that CBN Governor Emefiele has been the target of widespread public derision since Peoples Gazette reported on Friday that he had purchased the ruling APC’s candidacy form, confirming his recent plans to run for president.

“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,” Mr Emefiele said on Twitter, adding that some farmers bought the form for him.

“I note and salute the sacrifices of those farmers and patriots going as far as raising personal funds and offering me Presidential Nomination Forms.

Read More:CBN Gov. Godwin Emefiele Under Fire Over Presidential Ambition

“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,” he said.

The CBN Governor’s remark contradicts CBN and APC officials’ statements that he purchased an APC nomination form and will run for president.

On Friday, national voices including as Oby Ezekwesili and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu sought Emefiele’s urgent resignation, claiming that his actions might be termed economic sabotage.