The former Governor of Anambra State and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has picked Nigerian economist, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as his running mate.
Senator Datti Ahmed is a former lawmaker who represented Kaduna North Senatorial and founder of Baze University in Abuja. He was announced as the Labour Party Vice-President in Abuja on Friday.
WAKADAILY gathered that Okupe was the VP placeholder for the LP to beat INEC’s deadline.
This is coming less than 24 hours after Dr. Doyin Okupe withdraws his position as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
Speaking at the event on Friday, Obi 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.
“It is good to be here today after weeks and months that we have gone round, consulted and searched around and looked for somebody who fits the bill of what we are trying to do.
Mr Obi describes Datti Ahmed as someone who is ’eminently qualified.’
He said “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.”
Mr Ahmed’s speech after the announcement 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,” he added.
