The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, on Friday unveiled Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as his running mate in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
Datti Baba-Ahmed is the founder of Baze University Abuja. He was a former lawmaker who represented Kaduna North Senatorial district from 2011 to 2012.
He won under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). The electoral tribunal overturned his victory and he left office in 2012.
He was also a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.
Baba-Ahmed said his decision to accept the vice president nomination is due to his commitment to rescuing Nigeria.
He said, “My task here today is simple and it is to accept my nomination but just before I do that, I should give justifications as follows. The undeniable and unchallengeable fundamental reason for being on this ticket is to rescue Nigeria.”
“And it goes logically without saying that you can only rescue that which is in trouble and Nigeria is in trouble and I cannot afford not to be part of the movement to rescue Nigeria.
“The second reason is that I believe in the greatness of Nigeria. I believe there will be peace and prosperity, and I believe Nigeria people will unite.”
“Having come from the education sector and background, when I hear a valuable thing I know it and I cannot let it pass. The comment from our presidential candidate that the fertile land in the north is the crude oil of Nigeria is one.
“How much more nationalist and detribalised can you (Obi) be? I see a brighter future for Nigeria from such a comment. He is someone of integrity and capacity.
“This is a high point in my life and career. Having said this and with all trust in Almighty Allah and my belief in Nigeria and with all humility, I accept the generous nomination to be the vice-presidential candidate of the Labour party for the 2023 general election.”
Peter Obi who apologised for the postponement of the unveiling event from Thursday to Friday said, “It is good to be here today after weeks and months that we have gone round, consulted and searched around to look for somebody who fits the bill of what we are trying to do.
“Today, I am proud to say I have been able to meet and secure somebody who is eminently qualified and fits the bill to be the Vice President of Nigeria.
“I know people will say you are not there yet, but I can tell you, I know where we are going,” Obi said.
Continuing, he said, “This is our right to secure, unite and make Nigeria productive. And you can’t do that without having people who have similar visions, ideas and are prepared for the task. So, I have the honour today to present to you, God willing, Nigeria’s next Vice President in the person of Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
