Kwankwaso dismisses reports of withdrawal, merger; Mocks entitlement ‘emi l’okan’, forecast Yar’adua episode

The presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has dismissed rumours that he was under pressure to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, November 20, 2022, Kwankwaso described the rumour as the handiwork of mischief-makers vowing that he won’t step down for any presidential candidate, adding that the “NNPP is the only party growing now and the growth will continue as the 2023 polls approach”.

The NNPP had twice dismissed similar insinuations on the planned merger with the PDP ahead of next year’s election.

Meanwhile, Kwankwaso says any presidential candidate that claims the 2023 presidency is his turn is making a mistake.

The Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso believes the Tinubu’/Shettima presidential ticket is a recurrence of the event that made Goodluck Jonathan the president of Nigeria in 2010.

Kwankwaso urged Nigerians not to vote for a candidate who is unhealthy, saying some people are planning to become president in a similar way Jonathan emerged as the president of the country.

“In 2007, Yar’Adua was nominated as a PDP candidate without consultation. There was no serious consultation. We knew things but there was no consultation and so we ran into trouble. Today, that episode is recurring. Some people thought by becoming vice president they would soon be president,” he said,

Recall that former President, Umaru Musa Yar’adua and Jonathan contested on a joint ticket on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2002.

Barely three years into their administration, Yar’adua, who was suffering from pericarditis died in May 2010, and Jonathan succeeded him as Nigeria’s president.

Again, the former Governor of Kano State said some candidates are running away from debates, adding that any presidential candidate that claimed the 2023 presidency is his turn was making a mistake.

“People are not talking about parties. They are talking about candidates and individuals. The APC and PDP have failed Nigerians. That is why we are in this mess today. I am ready for debates. Let us put our cards on the table. Some of the candidates are running away from debates. Some of them should look at themselves in the mirror and tell themselves the truth. Some of them are our seniors. You cannot cheat nature. Anybody who says 2023 is his turn is making a huge mistake.”

The Presidential candidate promised to fight insecurity, boost the economy, and improve education if he is elected.