Rotimi Amaechi, transport minister and President Muhammadu Buhari’s ally, has declared himself the best presidential material among other aspirants, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, APC national leader Bola Tinubu, and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

On Monday, he stated this when he consulted with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, regarding his presidential ambition.

“With due respect to my brothers in APC, PDP and other political parties, I am the most qualified in this present race,” Mr Amaechi asserted.

Mr Amaechi, 56, described himself as the bridge between the country’s young and the older generations.

The minister lauded Mr Ogunwusi for preserving and upholding the Yoruba culture, adding that he decided to start his consultation and visitation from Ile-Ife because “the ancient city is the source.”

“If elected as Nigeria’s president in 2023, I will sit down with the National Assembly to address the relevance of the traditional institution in Nigeria. There is a need to consult our traditional rulers in order to bring governance closer to the people,” said the transport minister and former Rivers governor.

The Ooni described Mr Amaechi as one of the luckiest politicians in Nigeria, pointing out that Nigerians had a lot to gain from his wealth of experience.

“You have been relevant since the start of this republic. It is for a reason and I urge you to use that grace for the betterment of all Nigerians. What is obvious in your team is the inclusion of women. I am proud of this and I want you to keep doing more in this regard,” explained the monarch. “Women are so powerful, especially when given leadership opportunities, they see what we men do not see.”

Apart from Mr Amaechi, other APC presidential aspirants are Rochas Okorocha, Orji Kalu and Governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and David Umahi (Ebonyi).

(NAN)