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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso Presidential Campaign Organisation, has dispelled speculations that the candidate is considering stepping down from the 2023 presidential race and throw his weight behind either the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The spokesperson of the campaign organisation, Ladipo Johnson, was reacting to speculations on social media that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Kwankwaso, was considering stepping down for either of the two candidates.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday, Johnson said: “Kwankwaso is in the race to win.”
“I do not know how and why people come up with these assertions and speculations. Kwankwaso cannot and will not step down for anyone,”he said.
Johnson noted that Kwankwaso would contest the 2023 presidential election to the end as he joined the race based on his convictions that he would make the desired change in Nigeria.
“Kwankwaso is not in the race to negotiate. He has the capacity, track record for competence and the political will to lead Nigeria to greater heights.
“Our candidate has no reason to step down. His path to victory and chances are very high. Competitive, yes, but his chances are very high considering his acceptance nationwide as a man of integrity,” he said.
The spokesperson added that the party was ready for the campaigns and would traverse the entire country to convince Nigerians and explain the reasons they should support the NNPP.
Johnson said it was time for Nigerians to take what they read on social media with a pinch of salt, adding that as campaigns draw nearer, a lot of lies would be unleashed to confuse Nigerians.
“I advise we check all information and be sure it’s true before believing them.
“There will be a lot of campaign of calumny against politicians that are more acceptable to the people but we are ready to put such campaigners to shame,” he said.
Johnson further explained that the NNPP as a party has a clear vision of its intentions for Nigerians and would not be dragged into unnecessary criticisms but would face the task of convincing Nigerians of the fresh ideas it would be bringing on board if elected.