Udom Emmanuel, the governor of Akwa Ibom state, has declared his intention to contest the office of the president in the 2023 general election

Mr Emmanuel joins three other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to have publicly declared their ambition for the country’s highest office.

The Akwa Ibom governor made his run public while receiving the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, in his office on Friday.

“If all the lawyers can rise up to support PDP, you can be hopeful of seeing a better Nigeria. Some of us do not enter the race as an ambition or self aggrandisement but we are challenged,” Mr Udom said.

To emerge as PDP flag bearer, Mr Udom will slug it out with fellow governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers; Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi. Also in the race are veteran aspirants; former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Mr Udom said he would make a difference if elected president in 2023 by implementing economic reforms that would revitalise the country’s ailing sectors.

“Like in developed nations, no one campaigns with promises that they will build bridges or roads, but policies that will stimulate the economy,” he added.

The governor stated that his economic plans will be aimed at rescuing, repairing, building, and reconstructing the country’s economy, pleading with the NBA to support him in his presidential bid.

To maintain the rule of law in the country, he urged for collaboration with the association.

Mr Akpata expressed gratitude to the governor for his support of the association, emphasising that the purpose of the visit was to bridge the gap between members of the group’s executive committee in the state.

He complimented the governor for the warm welcome members of the association received.