After Backlash, CBN Governor Emefiele Chickens Out Of Presidential Race

CBN Governor Emefiele has chickened out of the presidential race after backlash from Nigerians.

Newsone reports that the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has backtracked after facing harsh criticism from Nigerians, saying he didn’t buy a presidential form to contest for president despite confirmation from officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This online news platform understands that CBN Governor Emefiele has come under intense public ridicule since Peoples Gazette broke the news on Friday that he had purchased the nomination form of the ruling APC, a development that confirms his recent moves to run for president.

CBN Governor Emefiele campaign vehicles.

“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.

and offering me Presidential Nomination Forms: 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, 2/4

— Godwin I. Emefiele (@GodwinIEmefiele) May 7, 2022

“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.

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. 4/4

— Godwin I. Emefiele (@GodwinIEmefiele) May 7, 2022

Newsone Nigeria reports that CBN Governor’s claim contradicts the confirmation from CBN and APC officials that he bought the APC nomination form and will be running for president.

Criticisms flared on Friday that CBN Governor Emefiele’s action could be considered economic sabotage, and national voices including Oby Ezekwesili and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu demanded his immediate resignation.