Ahead 2023: NNPP denies Merger Talks With Obi’s Labour Party

20 Jun Ahead 2023: NNPP denies Merger Talks With Obi’s Labour Party

Against the backdrop of the widespread report of merger talks between the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Labour Party (LP) for the 2023 Presidential election, the NNPP has said such talks never existed.

Reports had suggested that the merger talks could see Rabiu Kwankwaso, presidential candidate of the NNPP becoming the running mate to Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).

The posts on social media were based on a report in which Agbo Major, NNPP publicity secretary, had spoken on ongoing talks between the LP and the NNPP.

But clarifying his comments in a statement on Sunday, Major had said claims that his comment meant Kwankwaso had agreed to be running mate to Obi were “misleading and embarrassing”.

“NNPP has never at any time said its esteemed Presidential Candidate, His Excellency, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, could accept to be Labour Party, Peter Obi’s deputy,” the statement reads.

“The report is misleading and embarrassing to our great party, its Presidential Candidate, Kwankwaso and millions of supporters in Nigeria and in the diaspora, and urges journalists to crosscheck their reports before publishing them to avoid national disaffection ahead of the crucial 2023 general election.

“As a mass movement, NNPP acknowledged alliance talks with Labour Party that would consolidate and boost the nation’s frail democracy as we collectively strive for a new Nigeria which the party champions.”