Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said he is physically exhausted and will love to retire to private life in 2023.
The governor said the last seven years in power has drained him a lot and he would not want to seek any elective office in 2023.
He however added that he would “reluctantly” contest the 2023 presidency if President Muhammadu Buhari insists he does.
El-Rufai spoke on Wednesday on Channels Television Politics Today Programme.
Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, several politicians have declared their ambition for the number one seat while some are still making consultations.
Asked about the rumoured presidential bid of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, El-Rufai confirmed that he is interested in being president.
The Kaduna governor, however, added that he has repeatedly said he is not interested in any political position in 2023.
“I have said it over and over but I guess the trust in politicians is very low. Nobody believes me. I have said over and over that I’m not a contestant for any office. I’m not an aspirant for anything,” he said.
“Rotimi Amaechi is interested in running for president. He has the right to do so but I’m not running for anything. I’m not going to be on his ticket.”
When asked of his potential response if Buhari directs him to run for office, el-Rufai said he will oblige if the president insists.
“That is a different conversation. I will have that conversation with the president and explain to him why I don’t think it is a good idea but of course if he insists I will,” he said.
“I’m tired. I’m not tired of serving the nation. I’m just physically tired because I do take my work seriously and in the last seven to eight years, I have worked flat out,” he added.
“I’m not young anymore. I will be 63 next year so I prefer to look at other options to contribute to the development of my country.
“But of course, as you said, I did not want to run for governor, the president insisted that I should run. If the president insists I should do something, I have so much regard for him and his judgement that I will do it — even reluctantly,” he added.
