Barth Nnaji, former minister of power, has declared his intention to contest for the 2023 Enugu governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Nnaji announced his intention to contest for the election on Sunday at a ceremony which took place at Umuode in Nkanu east LGA, Enugu state.

A coalition known as — New Enugu Coalition for Good Governance — presented both expression of interest and nomination forms, which were reportedly purchased for the former minister.

Speaking during the ceremony, the former minister said he has accepted the challenge to serve the people of the state, while commending the coalition for the gesture.

Nnaji, who was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as minister, said he will continue to “maintain peace” in the state like the current administration and add value to the development of the state.

“This is extraordinary. I want to start by appreciating this coalition that thought I was worthy enough to lead us and thought they could sacrifice their hard resources to go and buy form for me for this journey,” he said.

“May God reward you immensely, thank you so much. It is difficult for someone, if the person is sensible at all, to be presented with a challenge to come and serve the people and the person says ‘no, I won’t serve’.

“Particularly, when the people to be served have mobilised to get the instruments with which the person needs undertake the race. I hereby accept.

“The previous speakers spoke about something very profound that the governor of our state throughout his reign has established peace and there is no development without peace.

“This is one of the reasons why I want to take up this challenge so that I can continue to maintain peace in our state. I want to add value.”

The former minister will have to compete with the likes of Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy president of the senate, for the PDP governorship ticket.