The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dismissed rumours making the rounds, that its presidential candidate, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has agreed to step down from the 2023 presidential race to become the running mate to Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Agbo Major, publicity secretary of the NNPP, made the clarification following reports on social media that Kwankwaso had agreed to step down for Obi, following an earlier confirmation that the two parties were discussing on forming a possible coalition.
According to Agbo, the rumours are misleading and embarrasing to the NNPP, Kwankwaso and his supporters.
He said, “NNPP has never at any time said its esteemed Presidential Candidate, His Excellency, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, could accept to be Labour Party, Peter Obi’s deputy,” the statement reads.
“The report is misleading and embarrassing to our great party, its Presidential Candidate, Kwankwaso and millions of supporters in Nigeria and in the diaspora, and urges journalists to crosscheck their reports before publishing them to avoid national disaffection ahead of the crucial 2023 general election.
“As a mass movement, NNPP acknowledged alliance talks with Labour Party that would consolidate and boost the nation’s frail democracy as we collectively strive for a new Nigeria which the party champions.”