Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole has debunked speculations about his alleged presidential ambition and cleared his mind on the All progressives Congress (APC), Presidential ticket.

According to the reports, the governor in a statement personally signed by him which was issued on Thursday in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, revealed that he has laid to rest insinuations on his purported bid to vie for the presidential ticket of his party.

He said he would remain committed to the Nigerian project, adding that his focus now is on fast-tracking the pace of development in his state.

“Following persistent inquiries from friends, political associates and well-meaning Nigerians both at home and abroad over speculations of my interest in the 2015 presidential election, and media comments by my aides, I wish to categorically state that I am not contesting for the 2015 presidential election. My focus now is to continue with our efforts to accelerate the pace of our development programmes to take Edo State to the next level,” he said.

Oshiomhole expressed optimism that APC already has enough credible materials to pick from to fly the party’s flag in the 2015 presidential election. He said any Nigerian familiar with his antecedents will confirm that he is not the type that does things half-heartedly, stating that if he had decided to contest in the 2015 presidential election, he would have come out boldly and publicly declare his intention.

“Recall that in 2007 shortly after the expiration of my tenure, as two-term President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), I similarly came under pressure from well-meaning Nigerians from across all the divides (including foremost human rights lawyer and activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory) to vie for the presidency. But convinced that anyone genuinely interested in service could do so in any capacity, I insisted against popular demand not to contest the presidency but the Governorship of Edo State in 2007 and, to the Glory of God, I won. Again, in 2012, I sought re-election and resoundingly won,” Oshiomhole said.

The governor assured that he remains absolutely committed to the Nigerian project, and that he gave the statement in order to clear the air once and for all on the speculation flying around.

It would be recalled that on September 24, 2014, Governor Adams Oshiomhole reportedly made his intention to vie for presidency in the 2015 general election known in a letter submitted to the leadership of the APC.

On October 13, 2014, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Edo State chapter accused Oshiomhole and his party of plot to assassinate some party chieftains in the state.