Ngige says he is undecided about who to back for president next year out of Tinubu and Obi

LABOUR and employment minister Dr Chris Ngige has hinted that he remains undecided about which presidential candidate to support in next year's election as he remains torn between Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Obi.

Next February, Nigerians go to the polls to elect a new president and at the moment, there are four frontrunners in the contest. These include former vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Lagos State governor Asiwaju Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ex-Anambra State governor Obi of the Labour Party and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

Dr Ngige, a member of the ruling APC, had himself sought the party's presidential ticket but pulled out of the race before the primaries began. Asiwaju Tinubu later went on to win those primaries but it appears that Dr Ngige is not convinced about the candidacy of the former Lagos State governor.

One of Asiwaju Tinubu's major problems is that he is seen as elderly, unwell and infirm and there are fears that his presidency could be dogged by constant health trips abroad as the was the case with President Muhammadu Buhari. Governor Obi on the other hand is seen as young, energetic, vibrant and full of ideas, representing a break from the old politics of the past.

Dr Ngige is also from Anambra State like Governor Obi, so is likely to come under local pressure to back his kinsman. Speaking yesterday on the Channels Television’s programme, Politic Today, Dr Ngige admitted that both men are his friends but his vote will be decided in the secret ballot.

“I am facing a national assignment for now. Why are you asking me difficult questions? Both of them are my friends.

“My choice will be in the ballot box. On that day, I will make my choice,” Dr Ngige said when asked who he will back.