Okorocha Under Pressure To Run 2023 presidency

By Zakaa Lazarus

Over the weekend in Abuja, a former Governor of Imo state and senator representing Imo West, Owelle Rochas Okorocha was approached  by a group, the “New Nigeria Movement” to join the league of All Progressives Congress APC chieftains who have declared interest to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

The group, at a press conference on Friday at the Unity House Abuja Chaired by  Prof. Aliyu Abdullahi Jibia said the Senator will be addressing a world press conference on January 31.

In his words…”Those invited to the press conference include religious and civil society organizations, professional bodies, youth groups, women groups, market men and women, Opinion moulders, politicians and the general public”.

Although he declined to say what the purpose of the conference would be, party sources said the senator has already joined the presidential race.

Some of those who have declared their ambitions so far are business tycoon, Chief Moses Chia Ayom from Benue state; Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello; a national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Ebonyi state Governor, Dave Umahi; Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu; and youth activist, Ikechukwu Dallas Chima. Although Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is yet to indicate interest, there are some interest groups urging him to make his ambition public.

Okorocha, a three time presidential aspirant and one of the founding fathers of APC had led a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA to the merger that led to the formation of APC in 2013.