Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Senator Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, and Peter Obi, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, have unveiled their running mates.
While Tinubu Sunday confirmed Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate, Obi Friday picked Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed his Vice Presidential candidate.
Tinubu announced the Vice presidential candidate when he paid Sallah visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the leader of the party in his hometown in Daura, Katsina State on Sunday.
Read also: 2023: Bola Tinubu wins APC presidential ticket
Recall that Shettima played a lead role in the pre-presidential primaries campaign of Tinubu.
Shettima, the representative of Borno Central Senatorial District, was a former two-term Governor of Borno State.
The former two-term Lagos State governor won APC’s presidential ticket at the party’s June 8 special national convention and presidential primary election.
Tinubu explains his choice of running mate
Meanwhile, APC Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, has given reasons why he was picked a Muslim, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate.
Tinubu announced Shettima as his running mate after paying a visit to President Buhari in Daura today, July 10.
Speaking to newsmen on why he picked the former governor of Borno as his vice presidential candidate, Tinubu said, “Senator Kasim Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all important electoral victory, but, also, step into the shoes of the Vice President. As a man with the talent, maturity, strength of character, and patriotism he has my implicit confidence and faith.”
On why he picked another Muslim, Tinubu said, “I am aware that many will continue focus on a particular detail, the question of his faith. However, if we truly understand the challenges upon us a nation, then we must also see the imperative of placing competence in governance above religious sentiment.
In 1993, Nigerians embrace Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe in one of our fairest elections ever held.
The spirit of 1993 is upon us again in 2023. As such, the ticket we present today represents a milestone in our political history. It symbolizes our party’s determination to be a leading light among political parties in Africa.
The democratic process and the decorum that characterised our presidential primaries and the selection of our vice presidential candidate exemplifies why we are the party of the people and of the betterment of their future.
With this selection the All Progressives Congress surely shall continue to be the party that shows the way and carries this nation towards its best future. I implore you all to join with me on this journey to a brighter future.”
Earlier, he had chosen Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, as placeholder for the vice-presidential slot. He has withdrawn from the post.
Tinubu was away in France from June 27 on a short vacation during which he held some strategic meetings. He returned to Nigeria on Saturday early enough for Sallah festivities.
Obi picks running mate
Obi’s Vice is a 46-year-old is the founder of Baze University, Abuja and Baba-Ahmed University Kano State.
Speaking at the event, Obi said Baba-Ahmed was eminently qualified to bring his private sector and academic achievements to bear in the drive to rescue Nigeria from the primitive politics of ethnicity.
Obi added that the party will anchor its manifesto in the coming days on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Recall that Doyin Okupe, Director General of Peter Obi Campaign Organisation, had submitted a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, withdrawing from the position..
The Labour Party had submitted the name of Doyin Okupe as their Vice-presidential candidate on a temporary basis (Place holder) to beat the electoral umpire’s deadline.
