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On his running mate, Obi said he prefers a younger and fresh politician.

According to him, a younger person who has “something to offer” to complement his ticket would be chosen instead of bringing “an old hand” who had been in government in the past.

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The LP presidential candidate said although his running mate would be unveiled soon, he was yet to make a choice.

“We are talking to quite a number of people and Hakeem Baba-Ahmed is a capable hand. But I wish I can work with somebody who is younger.

“I prefer younger people who have a lot to offer rather than recycling old hands. I want a competent person and I am building a formidable team,” he said.

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We’ll replicate my Anambra achievements on a larger scale

Asked when his manifesto would be released, Mr Obi said what he planned to do as president had been practiced during his time as governor of Anambra State, adding that he intends to replicate his achievements in Anambra on a large scale in Nigeria, if elected president.

“How can I hire professors to write or draft policy documents for me that I don’t even believe in? What I did in Anambra and what I achieved are what we will replicate on a larger scale. We want Nigeria to become the engine of production.

“I will assemble the type of people I had in Anambra State. I told them, from day one, if you agree with me in three meetings, you will go. I want those who can look into my face and say, Mr President, you are wrong,” the former governor added.

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Vehicle drivers’ piloting Nigeria’s affairs

On Nigeria, Obi said Nigeria’s affairs were being piloted by ‘vehicle drivers’ instead of professional and certified pilots.

His words: “Nigerians have consistently hired vehicle drivers instead of qualified pilots to pilot Nigeria’s affairs. My commitment is to let our campaign dwell on challenges in the country. There are a lot of problems besieging this country.

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“This country will soon default on its debt servicing. This is what should be preoccupying us now. Universities have shut down and we are talking about who we’ll vote for. Let’s deal with the issues.

2023 won’t be based on ‘my turn’, ethnicity, religion

“This election will not be based on ‘my turn’, ethnicity, and religion. It will be based on a Nigerian agenda to save this Nigeria. Nigeria is in a coma, and it needs a specialist, and that is why I’m offering to save its life or it will die. I’m appealing to people to vote to save Nigeria, and to save Nigeria is to hire the best.”

He added that primitive considerations by Nigerians during electoral cycles had led Nigeria to the current quagmire, adding that in 2023 Nigerians must elect a capable candidate to pilot the country’s affairs.

He said: “Nigeria is in a coma and needs an expert to save it. I am appealing to Nigerians to vote for me as the best man for the job and not because of primitive consideration. I don’t want Nigerians to vote for me because I am from the South or on a regional basis. I want Nigerians to vote for me based on competence and what I can offer.

(Vanguard)