2015: Oshiomole Clears The Air, Says He Is Not Interested In Running For Presidency

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed
reports he was joining the race for the presidential
ticket of the All progressives Congress (APC).
“Following persistent inquiries from friends, political
associates and well-meaning Nigerians both at home
and abroad over speculations of my interest in the 2015
presidential election, and media comments by my aides,
I wish to categorically state that I am not contesting for
the 2015 presidential election,” said Oshiomole in a
statement.
According to the governor, his focus remained on
continuing to develop Edo and taking it to the next level.
“Today, I believe my party, the APC, has enough
credible materials to pick from to fly the party’s flag in
the 2015 presidential election.
“Anyone conversant with my antecedents will attest
that I am not the type who does things half-heartedly. If
I had resolved to run in 2015 I would have come out
boldly and publicly to declare my intention.
“Recall that in 2007 shortly after the expiration of my
tenure, as two-term President of the Nigerian Labour
Congress (NLC), I similarly came under pressure from
well-meaning Nigerians from across all the divides
(including foremost human rights lawyer and activist,
Chief Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory) to vie for the
presidency.
“But convinced that anyone genuinely interested in
service could do so in any capacity, I insisted against
popular demand not to contest the presidency but the
Governorship of Edo State in 2007 and, to the Glory of
God, I won. Again, in 2012, I sought re-election and
resoundingly won.
“I remain absolutely committed to the Nigerian project.
“I offer this clarification to clear the air once and for all,”
the statement read.