The Secretary of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), in the just concluded election, Hon James Abiodun Faleke has said that his decision not to participate in the Governorship race of Kogi State is borne out of his desire to subject his personal interest to national interest.
Hon. Faleke who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, averred that his is of the opinion that his personal interest must not override national interest
Recall that a group of Kogi indigenes from the three Senatorial Districts of the state had put money together to purchase Governorship nomination form for Hon Faleke last month, urging him to throw his hat in the ring as the most acceptable candidate at the moment.
But speaking journalists yesterday, Faleke urged those that bought the form not to lose hope of a better Kogi without him, adding that he will still add value to the State in many other ways.
“I am of the opinion that my personal interest must not override national interest. I alongside several other supporters worked hard for the election of our Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It would be out of place for me to jump out of the team to start pursuing personal goals.
The people that bought form on my behalf meant well and I appreciate them and I am pleading with them and my other numerous supporters in Kogi State to see the larger picture and to note that I am still with them spirit, body and soul and will continue to contribute to the development of the state”, he stated.
However, political pundits have said that this last move may not be unconnected with the projections in some quarters that Hon. Faleke may have been tipped for a higher position in the Asiwaju Ahmed Bola presidency, expected to kick-off in May this year.
Another source have also said that this may be another way to allow Governor Yahaya Bello free hand to produce a successor, based on an alleged gentleman agreement between the Governor and the President-elect Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.