A former lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin has stated that the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso can not be a running mate to Peter Obi.

Jibrin said this during an interview on Channels TV on Sunday in reaction to reports that Kwankwaso is in talks with Obi over a coalition.

Obi is the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 race.

The former lawmaker said, “Very clearly, Kwankwaso will not be the running mate to Peter Obi. By every standard, Kwankwaso should be the presidential candidate.

“Kwankwaso has more political exposure and experience. He has a bigger profile when it comes to that. 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 per cent. We are looking at bringing 70 per cent 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 noted that Kwankwaso is the only northerner who commands followership in the region like president Muhammadu Buhari.

He added that, “We are working on getting a presidential running mate.

“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.

“The last time the southeast has been on the table to discuss the presidency of this country is since Ekwueme. 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.”