Over the past year, the 75-year-old evaded questions on whether he will be in the ballot in the presidential elections scheduled for February 2019.
The idea of him seeking re-election elicited both acceptance and rejection in equal measure.
Those against his candidacy in the next election said his health had deteriorated, urging him to take a break from active politics.
In 2017, Buhari spent two lengthy periods – more than 100 days cumulatively – in Britain seeking treatment for an undisclosed illness.
The presidency’s official Twitter account confirmed that he will be seeking re-election under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party’s ticket.
President @MBuhari has just announced his intention to seek the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contest for a second term of Office in the 2019 elections.
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) April 9, 2018
Two weeks ago, former Nigerian vice president Atiku Abubakar declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2019 elections on a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket.
Atiku, formerly of the APC party, decamped in November 2017, accusing its leadership of “instituting a regime of draconian clampdown on all forms of democracy.”
