by Alexander O. Onukwue

Ekiti state Governor, Peter Ayo Fayose has officially declared his intention to be President of Nigeria, come 2019.

Fayose becomes the first person to openly declare intention for the race for 2019, doing so at a time when President Muhammadu Buhari’s future for a second term has been discouraged by one of his Ministers, while offering support to former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Governor Fayose says he is the “Solution” as the poster published on Twitter shows. The PDP logo is shown on the poster, presumably making him the front runner for the party’s nomination whenever it does its convention towards 2019.

Has he declared too early? Not really

With elections expected to take place 90 days before a potential handover date, usually May 29, the 2019 elections can be expected to hold between February and March. That will put the elections at approximately 18 months away, which is just about the proper time when the first candidates for such huge elections declare their intentions.

By declaring his intention to run now, Governor Fayose puts himself in the consciousness of Nigerians as a potential President. There is obviously a long way between declaring one’s intention and getting even close to being on the ballot but the Governor has made the necessary first step to show his seriousness.

Every word, action, and movement of his will now be taken with more seriousness, and we may expect his moves to be calculated towards projecting the image of a worthy President-material.

Editor