The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress and former Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, admitted on Wednesday that the process that led to the choice of his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osibajo, was rigorous.
Buhari made the disclosure at a press conference in Abuja while formally unveiling Osibajo, a professor of Law as well as former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, as his running mate.
The APC presidential flag bearer, in his short speech at the press conference, said:
“The method employed in this choice (of Osibajo) was quite meticulous but yet rigorous.
“It involved the establishment of objective criteria, broad consultations with party leaders and a few opinion leaders outside the party and interactions with a number of nominees.
“To assist me in this great task of securing Nigeria’s future, I have chosen a man of unimpeachable integrity, an excellent professional, a man of faith, a devoted family man and a role model to our fellow countrymen and women.
“He is a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. An alumnus of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics.
“I wish to thank all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria who have continued to send messages of goodwill and congratulations to me and the party since my election as the presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congres.
“The huge outpouring of support and acceptance has been a great encouragement to me and hardened my resolve to lead the process of rebuilding a New Nigeria and securing our future.
“In my acceptance speech, I pledged to run an efficient government, fight corruption and indiscipline in our national life. I promised to end the current regime of fear and uncertainty in our country and place priority on national security.
“I also pledged to rebuild our battered economy and reduce poverty by deliberate policies to create jobs.
“The challenging process of rescuing our country and changing Nigeria for good has commenced.
“One of the first decisions that I have to make is the choice of the Vice-Presidential candidate and my running mate.
“The Vice-Presidential candidate is a friend of the less privileged, compassionate and zealous in service. A man of uncommon humility, a loyal, dependable and selfless patriot.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, who by the grace of God and the vote of Nigerians, will be the next Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Osibanjo said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to have been nominated as the Vice Presidential candidate of our party, APC, especially by the Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.
“I also thank the leaders and elders of our great party, APC for the trust reposed in me.
“The task of rebuilding this nation is one to which I am fully committed.
“There can be no other President, Leader and commander that can lead that common sense revolution Nigeria urgently needs than General Muhammadu Buhari. I will proudly serve this country with him.
“General Buhari’s uprightness and fierce commitment to good governance is well known.
“It will be a privilege to work with him.
“I come to this assignment with lots of hope and a resolve to be a part of this movement to bring Nigeria back to its lost glory. “With the support of all Nigerians and the help of God, we shall make Nigeria work again.
“I will work with him and the party to restore hope and confidence in millions of our youth and provide comfort and security for millions of our country men and women.”
Among those present at the unveiling of Osibajo in Abuja were the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Deputy National Chairman, South, Engr. Segun Oni; members of the National Working Committee; and Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
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