Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi says probing past administrations won’t be his priority in government if elected in 2023.

“As for probing the past government, let me tell you: you see me argue that you can’t close your shop and be chasing thieves,” Mr Obi said while speaking with journalists shortly after revealing his vice presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed at Transcorp Hilton on Friday. 

“Those who only look at yesterday and today will miss tomorrow. God did not give us eyes at the back, mine is to look forward,” he stressed.

He continued, “If you come into the government today and decide to stop the leakage first, you will get more. I am not going to be part of any form of victimisation or witch-hunt, it won’t happen. Nigerians must live within law and order.”

Mr Obi argued that corruption in government would be reduced substantially if the leaders maintained their integrity.

“But I can tell you right away. If you, the principal person, the local government chairman, the governor or the president are not stealing, your family is not, and those around you are not, you will reduce it by 70 per cent,” he asserted.

Mr Obi’s stance on tackling corruption is a far departure from that of incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, who rode to power in 2015 on anti-corruption mantra. 

The Buhari regime has ramped up clampdown of tainted officials of the past administration, particularly those who have failed to join his ruling All Progressives Congress party.