Atiku mulling alliance with 11 parties, Kwankwaso counts himself out
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Atiku Abubakar has confirmed through a surrogate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is holding talks with 11 other parties for a working alliance, to enable him win the presidential vote on 25 February in spite of the G5.
Atiku is trying to cobble up support from other flanks after his snub by the PDP G5 Governors – Nyesom Wike (Rivers) Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
The G5 say they will not support him because he backs Iyorchia Ayu to remain as PDP National Chairman, a post they insist should rotate to the South.
News of the alliance talks broke a day after the PDP held similar ones with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and some smaller parties, as disclosed by PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi.
“There are a good number of them, but it will not be wise to publicly list them out. At the last time I checked, we were in talks with over 11 of them.
“They approached us to express their willingness to partner with us towards ensuring credible elections in 2023. That is the way they put it, but you and I know what that means,” Abdullahi told The PUNCH.
“These are parties with candidates who are not strong enough. I can confirm to you that there is a working arrangement, and we want to see more of such parties or groups. Together, we will salvage this country.
“They know the strength of the PDP and the pedigree of its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.”
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G5 arrowhead Wike declares he won’t vote Atiku
Ortom declares Benue won’t vote Atiku unless things change
Makinde vows to sabotage Atiku’s victory in Oyo if Ayu remains as national chairman
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Kwankwaso adamant he will never support APC, PDP
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso has, however, denied yet again rumour and propaganda swirling in the North that he is working for another political party to win the Villa.
He restated his stand last week in response to questions on a live radio programme in Dutse, explaining since he and his supporters joined the NNPP some people have been concocting lies for political reasons.
“I heard that some people are saying Northern elders met me and asked me to step down for a Northern candidate and some are saying I am romancing with APC,” he said.
“Who can tell us about Arewa? Who knows Arewa better than us? These are candidates that have issues with their qualifications and health.”
Rumour mongers out to distract voters
Kwankwaso insisted the rumour is baseless and was made up by miscreants to distract Nigerians.
“God forbid I work or romance with APC, PDP, I am for NNPP, there is no going back.
“This is a golden opportunity for all Nigerians if they want things to change for the better. NNPP is the answer and if they want things to continue, so be it.”