A former member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin has called on the southeast region to support the presidential flagbearer of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Jibrin stressed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have betrayed the region. Hence, the need for the region to drum support for Kwankwaso whom he described as the “single most popular politician” in Nigeria after President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The southeast has been seriously backstabbed by the APC 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 explained.
“The last time the southeast has been on the table to discuss the presidency of this country was during the time of 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.”
The NNPP chieftain also dismissed rumours that Kwankwaso will be the running mate to Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi amid speculations that the two candidates are in talks 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,” he said without mincing words.
“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 percent. We are looking at bringing 70 percent of the contributions.
“Even if it is business—Peter Obi is experienced in business—he knows that whoever is bringing the larger percentage of the equity is expected to stay on board.”
Jibrin further noted that though Obi is popular among Nigerian youths, his popularity has yet to be tested in an election.
“We are conscious of the followership among the youth. But again, we are taking that cautiously because that has not been tested in terms of electoral value,” he noted. “But again, you will agree that he has massive youth followership.”
