Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Contrary to media reports and speculations in some quarters, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has said that its presidential flag bearer, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not contest the 2023 Presidential elections as running mate to his counterpart in the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi.
NNPP refuted reports that Kwankwaso was to run as Obi’s running mate, saying that such matter was never discussed.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr Agbo Major, who made the explanation Sunday in Abuja, said Kwankwaso could not have accepted to be Obi’s running mate.
According to him: “NNPP has never at any time said its esteemed Presidential Candidate, His Excellency, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso could accept to be Labour Party’s Peter Obi’s deputy.
“The report is misleading and embarrassing to our great party, its Presidential Candidate, Kwankwaso and millions of supporters in Nigeria and in the diaspora, journalists must 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. “
Major, however, expressed confidence that together with the media, the NNPP “shall build a strong, virile, progressive and egalitarian democratic society.“
