The Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso on Saturday has confirmed that the party is in talk with Labour Party presidential flag-bearer, Peter Obi, over a merger.
DAILY GIST reports that the former Kano State Governor confirmed this in an interview with BBC Hausa.
There have been speculations that the NNPP and LP are working towards a third force against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While some party insiders have affirmed the possible political shifts, some have described the viral reports as mere speculations.
However, Kwankwaso in a barely three minutes video clip shared by BBC Hausa on Saturday morning, confirmed he is privately deliberating with Obi over the possible merger.
Recall that Kwankwaso had earlier revealed that a southern Christian would be picked as his running mate for the 2023 election.
Speaking ahead of the 2023 elections during the interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso said he is truly in talks with Peter Obi. He said consultations are ongoing in his camp and he believes the same is happening with the Labour Party
The NNPP leader said it is worthy to note that both APC and PDP did not consider a presidential candidate or vice president from the South East, hence it would be okay if both NNPP and Labour Party could make a move in that direction.
Kwankwoso said: “Truly we are in talk with him [Peter Obi]. Consultations committee are working towards a merger. I understand Obi’s camp is also making consultation about the possible merger for the 2023 election.
“If you look closely, both the APC and PDP did pick their presidential candidate or vice-presidential slot from the South-East.
Speaking about who will take the presidential and VP slot between him and Obi, Kwankwaso said: “For the merger, there would be a consideration on who is the senior and who is junior amongst us then the appropriate slot would be accorded to the rightful candidate while the other would be given the VP slot.”
He noted that though the two camps have submitted names of their running mate, the names submitted are just a camouflage for now.
