Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has stated his intention to run for president in 2023, claiming that he is capable of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The Governor stated his intention when he met with stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Makurdi, Benue State’s capital, on Sunday to inform them of his intention, saying he had what it takes to unseat the APC.

He said: “I have the capacity to face the evil called APC. I equally have the capacity to move this country forward. APC needs a person who has the capacity to tell them that enough is enough.

“In politics I know that power is not freely given you must be prepared to take it and I am prepared to take. I therefore urge Benue delegates not to sell their votes. Give me your votes and together we will rescue Nigerian from APC.”

The Rivers State Governor, who expressed his condolences to the victims of the recent fires that devastated two markets in the state’s Makurdi and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas, contributed N200 million to each market to aid the victims and assure the markets’ reconstruction.

Governor Samuel Ortom had earlier praised his Rivers State counterpart for always being on the side of truth and justice, recalling how he came to the state’s aid during difficult times in 2018, saying: “You have sown a seed which has germinated and you have touched lives. I want to assure you that we are with you, wherever you go we will go with you. I want to state that if we believe in equity, fairness and justice the presidency should be zoned to the South. And Governor Wike has the capacity to lead this country.”

Sir John Ngbede, the chairman of the PDP in Benue state, said the party’s leadership will accept Governor Ortom’s decision on who would be supported during the party’s upcoming presidential primary.

Also speaking, a member of the delegation and former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke said Governor Wike had given his all to the party and shown commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians and should be supported by all to assume the leadership of the country in 2023.

Senator Abba Moro, speaking on behalf of the state’s National Assembly members, said Governor Wike has demonstrated through time that he can be trusted with the country’s leadership because of his forthrightness and progress in his state.