Former secretary to the government of the federation, Chief Olu Falae, has denied endorsing the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi for the 2023 election.
Falae, a chieftain of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital yesterday by his assistant, Retired Captain Moshood Raji.
The former finance minister disclosed that it is too early to endorse any candidate without going through the programmes he has for the masses.
The elder statesman said he has to consider all important parameters, including capacity, experience and proven track record before endorsing a candidate.
Falae admitted that the South East had not had the opportunity of producing Nigeria’s president, stressing that It’s not an automatic slot that can be filled without other important considerations.
He said, “As a responsible leader, Chief Falae will consider all important parameters, including capacity, experience and proven track record before endorsing a candidate.
“This correction is necessary in order not to mislead the public that Chief Falae is supporting any of the candidates yet.
It is necessary to await the programmes and manifestos of the political parties and their candidates before arriving at a particular candidate to support.
“The attention of Chief Olu Falae CFR, GCON has just been drawn to a publication that has gone viral in which the former Secretary to the Federal government is quoted as saying that he is supporting
the candidature of Mr Peter Obi as his preferred choice in the 2023 Presidential race.
“Although Chief Falae admitted that it was true that the South East had not had the opportunity of being Nigeria’s President, it’s for them to persuade other Nigerians that they can offer something better than candidates from other geopolitical zones.
” It’s not an automatic slot that can be filled without other important considerations, Chief Falae never canvassed or claimed to be supporting Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party for the 2023 race.”
