2023: INEC reacts to Emefiele’s presidential ambition, speaks on electoral agency kept in CBN custody

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the agency was watching with keen interest the reports surrounding the presidential aspiration of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

A group of farmers purchased the N100 million presidential nomination and expression of interest forms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for Emefiele.

The CBN governor, in a swift response, claimed that he had not decided on the presidential race and would purchase the forms by himself if he decided to run for the Presidency.

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Mr. Emefiele, however, headed to the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, to seek interpretation of the constitution and public service rules on public servants seeking elective positions while in office.

The APC chairman of Ward 6 in the Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nduka Erikpume, had said Mr. Emefiele was a card-carrying member of the party.

Erikpume disclosed that the CBN governor had registered as an APC member since February 2021.

“Yes, he has registered since February 2021. He is our member,” he had said.

Reacting to the development, INEC stated it was watching with keen interest the reports surrounding the presidential aspiration of the CBN Governor.

In a statement, on Monday, by the spokesman to INEC chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, said it would soon take a decision on the matter if Mr. Emefiele eventually joins the 2023 presidential race.

Mr. Oyekanmi added that the electoral agency might move its sensitive materials which were being kept in the custody of CBN.

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The statement reads, “The strategic partnership between the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission which enables the commission to store its sensitive election materials with the CBN, has been in place for many years and is beneficial in several ways.

“Indeed, there have been various reports that the CBN governor is nursing an intention to run for the office of President. But, he has yet to formally declare his intention to run for the office of president as of today.

“However, if and when he eventually does, the commission will look at the implications and take a decision on what becomes of the long-standing strategic partnership with the CBN.”