2023: I’m not intimidated by big names in presidential race – Yahaya Bello

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Wednesday, picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for presidential race, saying he is not intimidated by anyone.

Bello who was the first aspirant to pay the N100 million fee for the forms, told newsmen shortly after picking up the forms at the APC national secretariat in Abuja that if elected president in 2023, he would restore the hope of Nigerians.

He, however, re-emphasised that he was not intimidated by the big names in the presidential race.

On the recent calls by some groups and even governors on former President Goodluck Jonathan to be adopted as APC consensus candidate, Bello said that was the beauty of democracy.

The Kogi governor said he was not threatened by the calls, because in democracy, people were allowed to support their preferred candidates.

“That is the beauty of democracy, anybody can support anyone, but I am assuring you that our great party, the APC is a party that has its own ethics, rules and regulations.

“I know surely that all of these are in my favour and I am not in any way scared of the pedigree of anyone, whosoever.

“I am confident that I am in the majority, I have the women, I have the youths, I have the people living with disabilities and they are all behind me. I have leaders, I have followers and above all, I have God almighty,” Bello said.

He stressed that he was coming to restore the hope of Nigeria, Africa, and the entire black race.

“That is the hope we are bringing on board; to unite, to secure, and to put our country and her people on the path of progress and prosperity.

“We give glory to God Almighty, the creator of the universe who has created today and made today a reality.

“Today I have with me my expression of interest and nomination forms to contest as the presidential flag bearer of this great party, the APC.

“Right now, what we have ahead of us is the task of canvassing for support and consulting all party faithful, leaders, stalwarts, members and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.

“Give us your support to emerge as the flag-bearer of this great party come May 30 and 31, and by the grace of God, I shall become victorious and the party shall become victorious,” he said.

Hafsat Abiola-Costello, Director-General, `Hope ‘23 Yahaya Bello Campaign Organisation’’ said Bello demonstrated sincerity of purpose by being the first aspirant to pay for the forms.

Abiola-Costello said Bello’s action was a demonstration that the young people were ready to take over the country’s leadership.

“God willing, 2023, we will be welcoming President Yahaya Bello to Aso Rock. Congratulations to all Nigerians,” Abiola-Costello said.