10th October, 2021
Professor Atahiru Jega, the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said he is not interested in contesting for the Nigerian presidency in 2023.
Jega said this on Saturday while speaking at a lecture organised by Kwara Visioners Network for Rural Development in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.
There have been speculations that Jega may contest for the presidency at next general election after he joined in the floating of Rescue Nigeria Project, a political movement which has some of Nigeria’s leading technocrats and politicians as members.
Jega is also a registered member of one of the 18 political parties recognized by INEC, Peoples Redemption Party, PRP.
But while speaking at the lecture with the topic ‘Politics, Governance and Leadership Recruitment In 21st Century Democracy,’ in Ilorin, Jega said he had not told anyone he wants to run for presidency in 2023.
“I have not told anybody that I have presidential ambition. These are speculations in the newspapers. It is true that I have registered as a member of a political party because I have decided no longer to do ‘siddon look’, and I have decided to contribute in any way possible to help develop a strong, political party that can be impactful, whether in the local level or in the state level, or at the national level,” Jega said.
“And I am devoting my life and my energy to be able to do that. When we are trying to build a party, first things first. We have to have the structure first. If people start with building a party today and deciding to become a candidate tomorrow, actually, you’re trying to destroy the basis of building the party, because everybody will have ambition.
“So there are times for everything. And I have no ambition. I know I’m a Muslim and I practise my religion and I have faith in God. I know that there is nothing that God cannot do. So, I leave what God can do to God. But I have no ambition, and I have never told anyone that I want to be president. But I want to contribute to bring positive changes to our politics and I can do it from my own little corner.