Nigeria’s central bank governor has not decided on presidential bid
By Camillus Eboh
ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigerian central financial institution governor Godwin Emefiele has not determined to run for president subsequent February or for an additional elected workplace and can stay in his present publish, he mentioned on Saturday after critics known as on him to resign following experiences of his political ambitions.
After a spokesperson for the ruling All Progressives Social gathering (APC) mentioned on Friday Emefiele had purchased types to contest the social gathering’s presidential nomination this month, he tweeted: “I’ve not come to that call.”
Emefiele mentioned he would proceed to function central financial institution governor and would make clear his ambitions within the subsequent few days.
Studies of Emefiele’s presidential bid despatched the naira near a document low of 591 per greenback on the black market on Friday, towards a spread of 413 to 417 naira on the official market the place it has traded this 12 months.
President Muhammadu Buhari will step down after serving two four-year phrases following the February 2023 poll. The APC has set its primaries to determine on its presidential candidate for Could 30 and 31.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Lagos state governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu are frontrunners within the race to be the subsequent candidate to move Africa’s high economic system.
Political events in Nigeria ought to decide presidential candidates by June 3, in keeping with the electoral fee, whereas official campaigning will start in September.
Emefiele is serving a second time period on the central financial institution the place he has pursued dovish insurance policies on rates of interest, launched forex controls, and launched an organization to assist construct infrastructure in Nigeria.
Political energy in Nigeria tends to shift between the oil-rich, largely Christian south, and the poorer, principally Muslim north. Buhari is from northern Katsina state and APC’s subsequent candidate is anticipated to come back from the south.
(Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; Modifying by David Holmes)
