The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has advised Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to align forces with Rabiu Kwankwaso and support him for the 2027 presidential race to maintain political relevance.
This recommendation follows Atiku's call for major opposition parties to form a coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
During a meeting with a delegation from the national executive committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Atiku emphasized the necessity of robust opposition to prevent Nigeria from veering towards a one-party state. In a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku expressed concerns about the APC's alleged move towards a one-party dictatorship, warning of adverse consequences for democracy if not countered.
However, the NNPP has characterized Atiku's suggestion of a merger as a belated remedy. Responding to the proposal, Yakubu Shendam, the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, stated that the party would only entertain Atiku's proposal if he threw his weight behind Kwankwaso's bid for the presidency in 2027.
Shendam remarked, "This is like medicine after death. If there is any future collaboration, it should not be as a result of emotions. We are going because we have a gladiator who can take over Nigeria." He emphasized the belief that Kwankwaso can lead the nation independently.
The NNPP clarified that it would not align with individuals influenced by emotions, expressing contentment with Kwankwaso as its national leader. Shendam conveyed, "We are calling on Atiku as an elder brother to close ranks with Kwankwaso if he wants to be relevant in 2027."
Meanwhile, the APC criticized Atiku's concerns about Nigeria slipping into a one-party state, dismissing them as "baseless and irrational." In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the APC attributed Atiku's perspective to the repeated defeats of his party at the polls. Morka advised Atiku to rejuvenate his party and avoid involving the APC in what he termed "their combined predicament."
