Just in: Buhari’s ally, ex-Ogun Gov. Amosun announces presidential ambition

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) special presidential convention on May 30, another former governor has joined the presidential race.

A two-term Ogun Governor and currently Senator representing Ogun Central in the National Assembly, Ibikunle Amosun, on Thursday in Abuja made the declaration.

Amosun had written a letter to the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, intimating the Upper legislative chamber of his intention to run for president on May 5 while he was in Saudi Arabia performing the lesser Hajj.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila also performed the spiritual exercise together.

The event took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District, Abuja.

Persecondnews had reported that Amosun attended Ekiti Gov. Kayode Fayemi’s unveiling of his presidential aspiration in Abuja on Wednesday.

APC has fixed its special presidential convention for Abuja from Monday, May 30, to Wednesday, June 1.

APC now parades 17 presidential aspirants, the highest by any party in the country.

They are the Vice-President, Prof.Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and Pastor Tunde Bakare, church General Overseer and running mate of the Nigerian presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 presidential election have indicated interest to run in APC.

Mr Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation and his Labour and Employment counterpart, Dr Chris Ngige and the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, have also purchased the Nomination and Expression of lnterest forms as presidential aspirants.

Others are Mr Dimeji Bankole, former Speaker House of Representatives ,Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, ex-Abia governor and serving senator, Orji Kalu, and former Imo Governor, Sen. Rochas Okorocha.

Prof. Ben Ayade, Cross River Governor, Chief Ken Nnamani, and Sen. Godswill Akpabio, ex-Akwa lbom governor and Kebbi Gov. Atiku Bagudu also made the list.

Ex-Edo Governor and sacked National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole, has equally joined the fray.