2023 Presidency: Okorocha opens up on his declaration date

L-R: Senator Rochas Okorocha and President Muhammadu Buhari.

Without any change of plan, former Governor of Imo state and Senator representing Imo West, Owelle Rochas Okorocha will on Saturday next week formally declare his presidential aspiration under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress, APC, NATIONAL PANEL reports.

This was made known on Friday, in Abuja during a press conference organized by a group working for the actualization of  Okorocha Presidency, the New Nigeria Movement.

Prof. Aliyu Abdullahi Jibia who chaired the organizing committee said the Senator will be addressing a world press conference on January 31.

“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," he said.

Although, he declined to say what the purpose of the conference would be, party sources said the senator will formally 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, David 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.