The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has finally chosen a running mate for the February 2023 presidential election.

The former two-term governor of Anambra State on Friday named Datti Baba-Ahmed, the founder of Baze University, as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.

Clariform reports that this announcement which was personally made by Peter Obi in an event on Friday comes les than 24 hours after the running mate “placeholder” for the Labour Party announced his resignation as a VP candidate under the Labour Party.

Clariform reminds our readers that Dr Doyin Okupe, the former senior special assistant on public affairs to the former President Goodluck Jonathan, previously announced on Channels TV, which Clariform reported, that he was “standing in” as Peter Obi`s running mate pending further negotiations with “coalition partners”.

By this latest disclosure on Friday, Dr Okupe`s name will therefore be removed as the “placeholder” and replaced by Datti Baba-Ahmed as the substantive running mate in a joint ticket with Peter Obi under the Labour Party.

Briefly on Baba-Ahmed

Baba-Ahmed is not new in the political circle. He was a member of Nigeria`s House of Representatives between 2003 to 2007.

His successful election for elevation into the upper chamber in 2011, was eventually nullified at the tribunal.

He contested and won the senatorial sit for the Kaduna North Senatorial constituency, but his victory was overturned, which forced him out of the Senate in 2012.

The Baze University founder also tried running for the governor of his Kaduna State of origin under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He however, could not go through the primaries. He withdrew from the contest after citing irregularities in the process.

Speaking during his withdrawal he said, “Credible first-hand reports have apparently proved that anticipated changes in our politics are yet to hold and lessons are yet to be unlearnt, as evidenced in the ongoing primaries, needless to give specifics.”

He was quoted to have further said that the PDP governorship primary was “inconsistent with my purpose of being in politics,” said Baba-Ahmed.

Notable Quote:

The Labour Party flagbearer, Peter Obi, in his address while unveiling Baba-Ahmed as his running mate, said that the Base University founder is “eminently qualified” and fit for the purpose standing in as the nation`s second in command.

Speaking further he said, “This is our match to secure, unite and make Nigeria productive and you can’t do it without having people who have a similar vision, idea and are prepared for that onerous task,” he said.

In response, Baba-Ahmed disclosed how “humbled and appreciative” he was for been chosen as Peter Obi`s running mate.

The “fundamental reason” join Mr Peter Obi on “this ticket is to rescue Nigeria”, disclosed Baba-Ahmed.

“I cannot afford not to be part of the movement to rescue Nigeria,” he further said.