The presidential candidates of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, have denied any coalition discussions with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
The NNPP demanded that Atiku step down in favor of Kwankwaso, who is younger and has newer ideas.
According to reports, Atiku stated that he was in discussions with Obi and Kwankwaso in advance of this month’s presidential election.
Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, the national chairman of the NNPP, stated during a press conference held yesterday at the party’s national headquarters that their people are concerned over Atiku’s assertion that they are not in coalition talks with the PDP.
“We do not communicate with Atiku. Kwankwaso has done a lot for Nigerians and Nigeria, and he should be aware that there are others who have the right to be president. Kwankwaso is the contest’s frontrunner. The notion of a northern agenda is false. The 2023 election is distinct.
Some leaders whose objective is to support a candidate desire a northern candidate. When Atiku stated that he was the Northern candidate, we remained silent. There is a discussion of a government of national unity.
“No one discusses this when it is opportune, but we have no communication with Atiku and are not planning an alliance with him. Alkali stated, “He should respect his age and he cannot force people to approve him.”
Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) denied holding discussions with Atiku.
Diran Onifade, the head of media for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, issued a statement on Wednesday in Abuja denying allegations that Obi was in negotiations with Atiku about resigning for the PDP presidential candidate.
The statement continues, “We have been swamped with inquiries regarding the rumor that our presidential ticket and the camp of the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, are in continuous discussions.
“We wish to reiterate, as we have all day, that the assertion is utterly false and unfounded. We are not in discussions with Atiku or any other candidate to withdraw from a campaign in which we are the frontrunner.
“Peter Obi is in the race to win in accordance with the wish of the majority of Nigerians for a New Nigeria devoid of deceit, corruption, and self-serving plotting,”
