Newly presented vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed says he was in the race with presidential candidate Peter Obi to rescue Nigeria from its many troubles.

“The undeniable, unchallengeable fundamental reason for being on this ticket is to rescue Nigeria,” Mr Baba-Ahmed said during his unveiling in Abuja on Friday, “and it goes without saying that you can only rescue that which is in  trouble; Nigeria is likened to that.

“I cannot afford not to be part of the movement to rescue Nigeria.”

The former Kaduna senator said “The second reason is that I believe in the greatness of Nigeria; I believe there will be peace and prosperity; I believe Nigerian people will unite.”

Mr Baba-Ahmed, the founder of Abuja-based Baze University, also pledged that he would use his educational background and experience to change the nation.

He added that the fertile land in the North is the crude oil of the nation and Nigeria’s future would be great.

Mr Baba-Ahmed further mentioned that he was on the ticket because Mr Obi “has maintained integrity and  honour” throughout his time in the private sector and as governor of Anambra.

“He who believes in financial propriety will not engage in political rascality; Peter Obi, he who  believes in credibility and integrity in the matter of who to associate with will not mismanage personal, human and community relations, Peter Obi,” Mr Baba-Ahmed asserted.

Earlier, Mr Obi said his running mate is eminently qualified to become the vice president of Nigeria.

“He has been described as one of the brightest, youngest personalities in Nigeria who has  distinguished himself in all areas,” Mr Obi said of Mr Baba-Ahmed. “He  brings to this mission a great wealth of experience from the background of the private sector to public sector and a global knowledge that will help in a journey of turning around this country.”

He added that both he and his running mate would work with other Nigerians to liberate the country.

“Those  who tell you about structures, tell them your children, your family; you are the  structures.

“They cannot continue to scare us with those words.

“We will take back our country and even convert them into the structures, their structures will be our structures, they will follow us.”

The chairman of the party, Julius Abure, said that the party proved to people that it could achieve any feat, adding the event was a clear message.

Mr Abure said that the party intentionally went into search for a competent candidate and found Mr Baba-Ahmed worthy.

“Those who have held the country hostage should know that it is no longer business as usual.

“The time for  the people has come, a  people’s movement has come, it is time for the people of Nigeria to be liberated from hunger, from poverty, from unemployment, from me security and bad governance.

“The people have pointed where they want to be in 2023; I am  very happy about the mood of the people, the time of the people has come,” he said.

(NAN)