By Nwafor Okafor
The Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Dr Doyin Okupe has withdrawn from the race of the 2023 general elections.
Announcing his withdrawal through his Twitter handle, on Thursday,Okupe said, “This afternoon I submitted my withdrawal letter from the position of the vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party to INEC. A replacement will be announced by the national chairman of the party shortly.I feel greatly blessed to have been part of the foundation of success for the LP.”
Last month , Okupe was nominated as ‘placeholder’ running mate to Peter Obi,who is the presidential candidate of the LP in the 2023 race.Consequently, Okpe’s name was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
An aide to Obi who craved anonymity because he was not authorised yet speak on the matter, told our correspondent that “Okupe submitted his withdrawal letter as running mate to Peter Obi today( Thursday)
The source added,”Labour Party will today unveil running mate to Peter Obi following the withdrawal of Dr. Doyin Okupe as running mate “.
Obi, had on Wednesday, said he would prefer a younger person as vice-presidential candidate.
The former Anambra State governor stated this while featuring on Arise TV Morning Show.
He added that he preferred a younger person who had something to offer to complement his ticket rather than recycling old hands who had been in the government before now.
When asked to clarify social media rumours that he had picked a businessman and politician, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, as his running, Obi said though consultations were ongoing, he was yet to pick a running mate.
He said, “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’.”
