Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has reeled out qualities his running mate must possess, disclosing that he prefers a younger person.
Obi who made the disclosure Wednesday while featuring on Arise Television interview programme, The Morning, Show said he would not run with recycled politicians who have been part of the rot in the system.
According to the former Anambra State Governor, he prefers a younger person who has something to bring to table to complement his ticket rather than recycling old hands.
Clearing the air on the rumours that he had nominated a businessman and politician, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, as his vice-presidential candidate, Obi said he was yet to pick his running mate.
He, however, noted that though consultations were ongoing, he would like to work with such nice persons.
According to him, “we’re talking to a quite number of people and Baba-Ahmed is a capable hand and I wish he is the one. But I wish I can work with somebody who is more younger.
“I prefer younger people with fresh ideas who have a lot to offer rather than recycling old hands. I want a competent person and I am building a formidable team.
“I want people who can look me in the eye and disagree with me during cabinet meetings. People who have their own minds and ideas. If you agree with me in three meetings then you are gone because that means you don’t have your own ideas. I want people and cabinet members who can say ‘Mr. President, you are wrong’.”
Asked when he would release his manifesto, Obi said rather than a manifesto, he had practiced all that he is preaching and the records are there for Nigerians to verify.
“How can I hire professors to write or draft policy documents for me that I don’t even believe in?
“I have replicated all that I am promising Nigerians before. It would be the same thing. What I did in Anambra and what I achieved is what we will replicate on a larger scale. We want Nigeria to become the engine of production,” he said.
Obi who alleged that his opponents were sponsoring media campaigns against him, noted that the rising wave of support for him is not because he is Igbo but based on his antecedents.
He urged Nigerians to jettison tribal sentiments and vote for competence to rescue Nigeria from collapse in 2023.
“I am contesting to be Nigeria’s president to solve the country’s problem and not because I am from a part or region of the country.
“We need to do things that will bring people hope. Nigerians must be proud of this country and that is what I plan to do,” he added.
