Group Begs Okorocha To Join 2023 Presidential Race
A political interest group, Igbo for Rochas 2023 Movement, has urged the former governor of Imo state and member representing Imo West in the Senate, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, to declare and contest the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking when they led a delegation to visit the former governor in his Owerri residence, the Imo state capital, national coordinator of the group, Jeff Nwaoha, described Okorocha as the person that fits the description of President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor and what the party’s candidate should be.
“We consider you, Senator Okorocha, as one who fits this description and call on you to declare to contest the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the APC. Igbo think that now is the right time for you to step into the ring. Your entrance into the race will rekindle hope in many Nigerians and arouse the commitments of millions of Nigerians, who believe in you to join in championing the cause of positive change in Nigeria come 2023,” he said.
Nwoha said the Okorocha’s candidacy would bring a lot of commitments and support as millions of Igbo people would throw their weights behind him and APC.
According to him, Okorocha’s early declaration would give room for enough time to strategise and enlighten Nigerians towards the need for Nigerian president of Igbo extraction; adding that it would make APC more united and position it for victory in the 2023 general election.
He said: “Your Excellency, we want you to understand that this is neither about you nor what you feel as an individual; but it is about the 45 million Igbo people, who want you to take their turn in 2023. We encourage you to disregard all the obstacles and challenges and step into the race for the 2023 presidential election in the interest of Igbo and Nigerians.”
Responding, Okorocha expressed happiness for receiving the delegation urging him to run for the presidency come 2023; saying the call came to him as a surprise.
“I’m happy because you found me worthy of this position. It’s an honour for me. I have noted your demands that you want a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction. We will see what can be done to balance this unbalanced equation of the FGN”, he said.
Okorocha urged them to go about this movement peacefully “because Igbo alone cannot make this happen. You must reach out to the other parts of the country. Also, make out time more to reach out to other Igbo to understand your message. I’ve run for this office on the platform of ANPP, PDP and APC. Under APC, I ran to give Igbo a sense of belonging.
“So, if I must run for presidency, it must be for the glory of the job, peace and unity for Nigeria and employment of the youths, as well as improving the economy of the nation. If I must run against anyone, I would only show my track record. I won’t run for that office without you.”
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