21st February, 2022
Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, has dismissed campaign posters indicating that he is planning to contest the presidency in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
Buratai on Sunday distanced himself from the campaign posters by some group of persons calling on him to contest for the 2023 presidential elections.
Buratai, who is currently Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, said he has never declared his intention to contest for the office of president in next year’s general elections and that he was content with being Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic.
He made this known in a statement signed by former director army public relations officer Brigadier General Sani Usman, issued in Abuja on Sunday, February 20.
The statement reads; “The attention of His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), Nigeria’s Ambassador to Republic of Benin and former Chief of Army Staff, has been drawn to calls and dissemination of campaign posters calling on him to join partisan politics and contest for Presidential candidature of one of the political parties by some persons.
“However, it is essential to state that the Ambassador has never indicated interest, discussed with, or directed anyone on such matters. Therefore, such calls and posters should be discountenanced as they did not emanate from him, nor is he interested in them. It is entirely the handiwork of some people for reasons best known to them.
“His Excellency wishes to reiterate his contentment and commitment to national service in his present capacity as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic. He remains loyal and eternally grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve. He, however, wishes to thank all well-meaning persons, friends and well-wishers who showed concern over this development”.