The planned official declaration of the presidential ambition of the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, on Saturday, may not take place after all.
Competent sources had hinted that the elaborate declaration would be held at the National Stadium Abuja, where Odili was expected to articulate his vision for the country, if elected.
A close aide of the governor had declared that the venue was to accommodate millions of Odili�s supporters and admirers across the country.
Based on the arrangement, the governor had stepped up his consultation across the country and had been in and out of Port Harcourt in the last two weeks.
However, indications emerged on Wednesday that the declaration had been put on hold to enable the governor consult the more with Nigerians.
He was expected to fly out of Port Harcourt on Wednesday to keep appointment with the kingmakers and people of the ancient city of Kano and some other northern states.
Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Magnus Abe, said in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that it was not possible for the governor to declare on Saturday as speculated.
Abe said, �There is no formal declaration for the 2007 presidency by governor Peter Odili slated for Saturday, as being speculated.
�In view of the fact that Odili has already declared his intention to run for the Presidency and has commenced a nationwide consultation, the issue of formal declaration is therefore unnecessary.�
The commissioner stated that the explanation had become imperative in view of the continued public enquiry on the governor�s formal declaration and his interest in the presidency.
Odili is one of the two governors from the South-South who have so far openly indicated interest in succeeding Obasanjo.
His Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Obong Victor Attah, had since launched his campaign at the Eagle Square in Abuja.