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| Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and his vice Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. |
The Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has explained why he accepted his nomination as the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Obi who is a former Anambra State governor unveiled Baba-Ahmed as his running mate in Abuja on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed is the founder of Baze University, Abuja. The 46-year-old was a former lawmaker who represented Kaduna North Senatorial district.
The economist cum politician served as Senator for Kaduna North from 2011 to 2012 and a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Baba-Ahmed said his decision to accept the nomination was borne out of his commitment to rescuing Nigeria.
He also said Obi and other Labour party stakeholders also played a major role in his decision as he buy into their agenda and movement of getting Nigeria to where it should be.
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.”
Speaking on Obi’s consideration, Baba-Ahmed said Obi’s integrity and achievements in the private sector were part of what also informed his decision to join the ticket.
“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 apologized and detribalized 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 m,y belief in Nigeria and all humility, I accept the generous nomination to be the vice-presidential candidate of the Labour party for the 2023 general election.
Also speaking, Obi, who apologised for the postponement of the event from Thursday to Friday, said the unveiling signals the party and his resolve in the journey to “take back Nigeria”.
“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 Ihonorbeen 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."