The Labour Party has expressed approval of the merger proposal put forth by Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a positive proposition that should be seriously considered. However, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has set a condition for acceptance, stating that it would only consider the proposal if Atiku supports former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in the 2027 presidential race.
This reaction comes after Atiku urged opposition parties to unite through a merger to challenge and dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from power. Atiku made this call during a meeting with the National Executive Committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview with The SPRINGNEWS, the acting National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, characterized Atiku’s proposal as a positive one that every Nigerian should consider. Ifoh stated, “Atiku’s call is a proposition, and every Nigeria will consider a good proposition that is meant to remove the Octopus in power because they are not democrats.”
He added, “Every Nigerian is interested in having a true democracy. What we have now is far away from democracy. So, if there is a proposition by opposition elements to ensure that democracy is installed, why not? That proposition must be given a good thought. Anything that will make Nigerians witness democracy is accepted.”
On the other hand, the NNPP deemed Atiku’s call as emotional and akin to “medicine after death.” The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Yakubu Shendam, asserted that any merger should be in support of Kwankwaso’s presidential bid. Shendam emphasized, “We believe that there is a need to canvass for support from people to win the election, from all sides. However, we believe that single-handedly Kwankwaso can deliver Nigeria in 2027.”
The NNPP expressed a preference for alliances with those who are not driven by emotions, stating, “We don’t want to join forces with people who are under emotions, but we are comfortable as a party having a person like Rabiu Kwankwaso as our national leader. We are calling on Atiku as an elder brother to close ranks with Kwankwaso if he wants to be relevant in 2027.”
Meanwhile, the ruling APC responded, stating that Atiku’s call does not pose a threat to the party. Bala Ibrahim, the APC Publicity Director, commented, “Atiku has been trashed in the court and trashed in the public opinion. In what way does Atiku and his party have the wherewithal to instill threat in the mind of the party in power? The PDP, as far as Nigeria is concerned, is inconsequential. Atiku and the PDP do not have the power to instill fear in the ruling party, especially a party that is progressive.”