Babalola, in a three-page statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, said that the parties must search for the very best, without mundane considerations in picking their candidates.
The legal practitioner, who is also the Founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, said that the country needed a candidate who would go beyond politics and embrace the principle of a stronger Nigeria.
According to him, such candidate must be highly educated, up to at least, degree level and must not have history of penchant for corrupt practices.
Babalola, in the statement entitled, ‘The Presidency: When a Candidate Is or Not Qualified’, said that such a candidate must not be too old and must be of sound health.
He said the candidate must also be extra-ordinarily brilliant and have sound knowledge of the current affairs, work ethics, leadership experience, good human relations and also have clear cut vision and mission for Nigeria.
The notable legal practitioner said that the presidential candidate should be fluent in spoken English, such that he would possess the ability to write a speech all by himself.
According to him, in addition, he must possess the ability to speak off-the-cuff.
Babalola said, “The candidate must produce evidence that he possesses unquestionable means of livelihood.
“He should not just be seeking election as a means of securing employment or to offset outstanding indebtedness or use his position as the President to divert government’s funds into his offshore accounts.”
He further advised that the candidate must demonstrate that “he is willing and prepared to serve the nation without earning salaries, as it was the case between 1960 and Jan. 15, 1966.
“The sum total of the qualities those who deserve to be voted for as Nigeria’s President are age, health, education, sound knowledge of current affairs, work ethics, experience, human relations, vision and mission for Nigeria.
“Others are; belief in the need for a new Constitution, oratory power, kindness, friendliness and firmness, previous contributions to development, economic standing and readiness to serve as well as proven ability to solve problems,” Babalola said.
On age, he explained that any candidate for the post of Nigeria’s President should not be more than 60 years old so that if he has the opportunity of serving two terms of four years each, he would still be leaving office before he turns 70.
Babalola, commenting on health, said the candidate must be physically, mentally and medically fit.
Well said
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