The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dispelled reports that its presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has endorsed Bola Ahmed Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer, for the 2023 elections.
The Campaign Organisation of Kwankwaso, in a statement, yesterday, stated that the ex-Kano governor was still in the race and had no reason or intention to step down for anyone as he has continued to enjoy widespread support from a vast majority of Nigerians.
The statement endorsed by Muyi Fatosa, said when asked of his opinion of Bola Tinubu during a media interview, Kwankwaso responded: “Bola Tinubu is my friend of many years, if I had not contested, I would have recommended him. I do not play politics of bitterness. We are both in the presidential race, but I am a better candidate.”
The organisation said it was unfortunate to see many people taking the statement to mean an endorsement of Tinubu and promoting such misconstrued message on the media.
It urged the general public to always verify authenticity of whatever they see in the media, while encouraging stakeholders, party members, fans and supporters of the former governor of Kano State to disregard the fake report making waves on some social media platforms.
“Our consultations across all the states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory continue, and so far, the feedback has been positive” they stated.
Meanwhile, barely three days to go, Kwankwaso is yet to announce his running mate.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had given July 15 as deadline for the 18 presidential candidates to submit or substitute names of their running mates.
He had considered Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) as his running mate, but Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, rejected the offer.
Obi, recently settled for Datti Baba-Ahmed, the proprietor of Baze University, Abuja, as his running mate.
When contracted via telephone, NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Agbo Major, did not respond.
But a source in the party said the former governor of Kano was still consulting with other political parties.
The source assured that the former minister of defence would unveil his running mate before the deadline.
“We still have up to Friday to do the needful. The name has not been released. By the time we resume tomorrow and next, it will be made public. I don’t even the know the person. When Kwankwaso spoke last week he said he was still reaching out to political parties since the Labour Party talks didn’t work.”
• Courtesy: Daily Sun
