Political permutations and strategic moves are in top gear ahead of the 18th February 2023 general elections which is just about 382 days from today 1st February. Away from the proxy campaigns and reluctance of some politicians to throw their hats in the ring, who are the presidential hopefuls that have made clear their intent to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023?
Timeline.ng presents the updated list of politicians who have formally declared to run for the 2023 presidency in chronological order of their declarations.
1. Kingsley Moghalu
Arguably the first to throw his hat in the ring, Kingsley Moghalu, on June 2021 declared his interest to run as a presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.
It would be the second time that the former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is vying for Nigeria's presidency as he once contested the presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in 2019 and lost to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.
Moghalu finished 14th on the election log with just 26,039 to Buhari’s 15.1 million votes.
2. Sam Ohuanbunwa
Months after Moghalu's declaration, A former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Sam Ohuabunwa declared his intention to run for the office of President in 2023, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Ohuabunwa who is also a renowned pharmacist and industrialist made the declaration during a press conference on 9th September.
Although the convener of the New Nigeria Group was silent on the platform he intended to use to achieve his aspirations, He pointed out that he would be aligning with a political party to be announced soon.
3. Pius Anyim
Former Secretary to Federal Government, Anyim Pius Anyim declared his intention to contest for the post of President come 2023.
His 30th October 2021 declaration is regardless of whether the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zones it to the South-East zone or not.
Until his declaration, there had been calls for Anyim to run for presidency with supporters flooding social media with posters of his presidential bid 2020.
4. Moses Ayom
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Moses Ayom, formally declared interest in the presidential ticket of the party on January 1, 2022, at NUJ House, Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The Benue born business magnate went on to write a letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, entitled, “Indication of Interest to run for the office of president in 2023.”
5. Bola Tinubu
The National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was the second politician to throw his hat in the ring in 2022. His 10th January declaration ended months of speculations as to whether he was keen on becoming Nigeria's president or not.
Dubbed as Kingmaker in the Nigerian political space, the APC chieftain is one of the heavyweights contending for the position of Nigeria's number one citizen.
6. Dave Umahi
Seemingly following Tinubu's lead, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State met the president on 11th January and declared his intention to join the race. His 11th January declaration came barely 24 hours after Tinubu's move.
Nonetheless, the governor who is also a member of the All Progress Congress (APC) said he is undeterred by Tinubu’s decision to join the race, adding that the contest is not about might.
Umahi defected from Peoples Democratic Party to the APC in November 2020, a move which many said was unconnected to his aspiration to become President.
7. Dele Momodu
Barely three months after his return to partisan politics, CEO and publisher of Ovation International, Dele Momodu declared his intention to run for president in 2023.
He made the declaration on 13th January after meeting with the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
Recall that the media mogul who was a member of the Labour Party (LP) and 2011 presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP), joined the PDP in October 2021.
He said he joined the main opposition party so as to play an active role in saving the nation from the unpleasant grip of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
8. Bukola Saraki
Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election via his Facebook page on 26th January with the hashtag #GrowNigeria.
It is not the first time that the chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be running for presidency. Recall that came third in his bid for the 2019 PDP presidential ticket after losing to Atiku Abubakar who got the party ticket.
9. Aminu Tambuwal
Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal is one of the latest aspirants that has announced his intention to contest for president in 2023.
Tambuwal made his declaration on Monday 31st January after a stakeholders’ meeting.
The governor who will be contesting under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) explained that his decision was based on calls by the state chapter of the party.
Recall that Tambuwal, a former Speaker of Nigeria's house of representatives came second to former vice-President Atiku Abubakar at the PDP Presidential primary in 2018.
10. Rochas Okorocha
Former Imo State governor and senator representing Imo West, Rochas Okorocha also formally declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2023.
The senator made the declaration on Monday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Monday 31st January.
He contested for the seat of presidency in 2015 under the auspices of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and plans to run under the same umbrella for the 2023 presidency.
