Rotimi Amaechi, the Nigerian Minister of Transportation, has joined the 2023 presidential race, The PUNCH reports.

He declared his interest at a thanksgiving service organised by the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress.

Amaechi, who is from South-South, had severally denied being interested in the race before his official declaration on Saturday.

The former Rivers State governor becomes the sixth APC aspirant to officially declare his intention to contest.

Others are Bola Tinubu – South-West; Orji Uzor Kalu – South-East; Rochas Okorocha – South-East; Dave Umahi -South-East; Yahaya Bello – North-Central.

“I stand before you today to declare my intention and submit my application to serve as your next president,” he announced.

The PUNCH had reported that Amaechi would formally declare his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election today.

According to sources close to the minister, his decision was predicated on the outcome of his consultations with several stakeholders in different parts of the country.

A former governorship candidate of the party, Dr Dakuku Peterside, had said the thanksgiving was for the party’s successful congresses and national convention, as well as to honour Amaechi, whom he described as an excellent performer.

Peterside added that Amaechi was eminently qualified to pilot the affairs of the country, saying he would bring his experiences to bear to transform Nigeria.

“For years, APC in Rivers State did not have substantive officers to run her affairs. But, the party has returned to the path of stability, unity and by inference, the path of victory.

“The second reason is the election of our members to various offices at the zonal and national levels.

“APC, more than ever, is ready to take over the government house,” he had said in a press statement.