With the July 15 deadline for the substitution of candidates inching close, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and a Kano-based economist and politician, Datti Baba-Ahmed, might have closed the deal to pair on Labour’s presidential ticket.
Baba-Ahmed and Obi, spent the better part of Tuesday night meeting with some northern elders and other crucial Nigerians on the viability of their combination, with indications that the coast was almost clear for the duo.
Inside sources hinted THISDAY that discussion is likely to be concluded Wednesday morning, as Baba-Ahmed, a former governorship hopeful in Kaduna State, has already given Obi the green light, but waiting for the endorsement and approval of the certain northern elders.
To beat deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Obi had submitted the name of a former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Doyin Okupe, as a place holder, pending the determination of a suitable partner.
The former Anambra State governor, has since been consulting on the options before him, including playing with the possibility of an alliance with the New Nigeria People’s Party, whose presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, would rather Obi were his running mate.
But that understanding broke down irretrievably, prompting the choice of Baba-Ahmed, which many see as suitable for the combination and in sync with current yearning by Nigerians.
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