Kwankwaso will not be the running mate to Peter Obi- Abdulmumin Jibrin
A former member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has disproved rumours that Rabiu Kwankwaso will run alongside Peter Obi.
He stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. Empire had reported that the New Nigeria’s Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate is in talks with Obi over a planned merger.
“Very clearly, Kwankwaso will not be the running mate to Peter Obi. By every standard, Kwankwaso should be the presidential candidate.”
“Kwankwaso has more political exposure and experience. He has a bigger profile when it comes to that (political exposure). He has more experience politically on how to win the election.
“At the end of the day, when you look at the equity contribution in terms of votes, it will be a ratio of about 70 to 30 per cent. We are looking at bringing 70 per cent of the contributions. Even if it is business – Peter Obi is experienced in business – he knows that whoever brings the larger percentage of the equity is expected to stay on board.”
He emphasised that in addition to Kwankwaso, the NNPP is also considering other candidates, asserting that Kwankwaso is the only politician in northern Nigeria that enjoys the same level of popularity as President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We are working on getting a presidential running mate,” he said, calling on the southeast region to back the NNPP.
According to Jubrin, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have deserted the region, suggesting that the Southeast should drum up support for the NNPP.
“The APC has seriously backstabbed the southeast, and they have been ‘front stabbed’ by the PDP. They have worked so much for the PDP. The PDP and APC have thrown away the southeast. They have said to them, ‘we don’t need you, people,’” he said.
“The last time the southeast has been on the table to discuss the presidency of this country was Alex Ekwueme (Nigeria’s first elected Vice President who served from 1979 to 1983). The first opportunity they have now is with Kwankwaso. They have to think very clearly not to waste their votes. They should come and take up the running mate. This is the best opportunity for them.”
“The southeast should think clearly and rally around Kwankwaso,” Jubrin added.
