The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has declared its willingness to entertain Atiku Abubakar’s merger proposal, laying down a firm condition that the former vice president must throw his support behind Rabiu Kwankwaso’s bid for the presidency in 2027.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of aligning with Kwankwaso for Atiku’s continued political relevance in Nigeria, NNPP’s spokesperson, Yakubu Shendam, conveyed the party’s stance in response to Atiku’s recent appeal for opposition party mergers.
Atiku had voiced concerns over the All Progressives Congress (APC) potentially steering the country towards a one-party state and urged opposition forces to unite against the ruling party.
Shendam criticized Atiku’s merger proposition as a reactive measure, likening it to “medicine after death.”
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He underscored the NNPP’s belief that any future collaboration should be grounded in pragmatic considerations rather than emotional appeals. The party firmly asserts that Rabiu Kwankwaso possesses the leadership capacity needed to guide Nigeria in 2027.
The party encouraged Atiku to support Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, stating, “We are calling on Atiku as an elder brother to close ranks with Kwankwaso if he wants to be relevant in 2027.”
“This is like medicine after death. If there is any future collaboration, it should not be as a result of emotions. We are going all along because we have a gladiator who has the capacity to take over Nigeria.
“We believe that there is a need to canvass for support from people to win the election, from all sides. However, we believe that single-handedly Kwankwaso can deliver Nigeria in 2027.
“But that doesn’t mean that we are not looking for players like Atiku to join our party. If there is going to be a merger, it should be with the NNPP, because Atiku is now retiring, so, he should support Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso,” the statement added.