Minister of Labour Chris Ngige refused to endorse his party All Progressives Congress  presidential candidate Bola Tinubu, saying he cannot openly declare support for either Mr Tinubu or his kinsman, Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate for 2023.

Asked who is his preferred candidate between his party man, Mr Tinubu and his kinsman Mr Obi in an interview with Channels Television on Friday night, Mr Ngige said the question was “boxing him in a corner.”

“Why are you asking me a difficult question?” Mr Ngige asked. “Both of them are my friends. My choice will be in the ballot box. It is a secret ballot. I shouldn’t tell Nigerians what I would do secretly.”

The labour minister further said “I’m not active in politics for now because I am facing national assignment. I will make my choice with the ballot.”

Mr Obi succeeded Mr Ngige as governor of Anambra State. Unlike Ebonyi governor David Umahi who promised to support his party candidate Mr Tinubu against Mr Obi, Mr Ngige refused to support either of the candidates.

A perceived frugal administor, Mr Obi has garnered huge support since he threw his hat in the ring on the platform of the Labour Party. Mr Ngige’s evasive response as per his presidential preference for the 2023 underpins positive sentiments for Mr Obi in his southeastern base.

Mr Obi will be up against Mr Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and a host of other candidates in next year’s election.