Godwin Emefiele of the Central Bank of Nigeria has backtracked after facing harsh criticism from Nigerians, saying he didn’t buy presidential form to contest for president despite confirmation from ruling party officials.

Mr Emefiele has come under intense public ridicule since Peoples Gazette broke the news on Friday that he had purchased the nomination form of the ruling All Progressives Congress, a development that confirms his recent moves to run for president.

“I am humbled by the growing interest of those asking that I run for the Office of President in the 2023 general elections: I have not come to that decision,” Mr Emefiele said on Twitter, adding that some farmers bought the form for him.

“I note and salute the sacrifices of those farmers and patriots going as far as raising personal funds and offering me Presidential Nomination Forms.

“I thank them most profusely. However, Should I answer their calls and decide to seek presidential nomination, I will use my own hard earned savings from over 35 years of banking leadership to buy my own Nomination Forms without proxies in an open and transparent manner in full compliance with the laws and Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria. And should I not run for elected office

“I will continue to serve and sacrifice for the good people of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. This is a serious decision that requires God’s Divine intervention: in the next few days The Almighty will so direct,” he said.

Mr Emefiele’s claim contradicts the confirmation from CBN and APC officials that he bought nomination form and will be running for president.

Criticisms flared on Friday that Mr Emefiele’s action could be considered economic sabotage, and national voices including Oby Ezekwesili and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu demanded his immediate resignation.