A former governor of Cross River State and presidential aspirant, Mr. Donald Duke says his ambition to vie for the nation’s number one position was not backed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Duke, who recently declared his intention to run for the exalted office on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) told newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos that although he remained close to the elder statesman, his decision to contest was personal.

“I am not hypocritical. I am close to the former president but he is neither my sponsor nor backup. However, those who come up with these propaganda also go to get the ex-president’s endorsement.

“I will not keep people aside because of what others think. I need everybody’s support but I am running as Duke and nobody’s stogie. I will be putting myself up to run. How it pans out is not what I can say’’ Duke said.

Speaking on the presidential zoning arrangement in the opposition PDP, Duke said that it would not deter him from running as it remained his constitutional rights.

While noting that his candidature and final platform would be determined on what unfolds in the PDP, Duke added: “Let the people decide. Zoning is undemocratic. I am running as a Nigerian. Zoning has never brought out the best in us. It brings compromise.”

“There are talks going on with other platforms. When these talks are concluded, then Nigeria will know my final stand. I remain a bona fide member of the PDP.

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