The son of Nigeria’s First Republic Prime Minister, Dr. Abdul Jelil Tafawa Balewa, has declared his intention to contest the 2015 presidential election.
Having consulted widely, Jelil said while speaking to newsmen that he was convinced that Nigerians had been yearning for a new leadership capable of fulfilling the high expectations and aspirations of the greater majority in the country.
The Politician who by profession is a Medical Doctor on Sunday in Abuja said with the right political party, he was fully prepared.
“My entry into politics would add some values to the Nigerian democracy given the finesse, candour and pragmatism, which I will be infusing into the system based on experiences.”
“My closeness with President Goodluck Jonathan has made my attempt to lead Nigeria more interesting. However, my ambition is not a do or die affair. Jonathan is a pragmatic politician who has always welcomed free and fair contest.”
Balewa has however decided to in the meantime, keep silent on the political party “for strategic reasons”
He said, “Some political parties have been talking to me. I have more than two of the parties including the major ones showing interest. It would be unfair for me to start dropping names, more so when consultations were still ongoing on the next line of action.”
When asked whether he had the means to contest the presidential election, Balewa who said he had “never been a pauper” insisted that good Nigerians would support him.”
“We place too much emphasis on money in this country and that is why our politics appears repressed and clumsy.
“I have never been a pauper; all the same, we have people who are deeply committed to my cause and ready to see me through.
“I am not going to let the cat out of the bag yet. I have my game plans to beat this emphasis on huge money to buy votes. I am going to do things differently and God will help me.”
