Politics
2023: We’re Open To Collaboration With Other Parties – NNPP
The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Professor Rufai Alkali, says the party is open to alliances, ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Mr Alkali, a former presidential adviser on political affairs to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos at a news conference.
According to him, the party is not averse to negotiations towards building the country.
“Parties who want to discuss with the NNPP must do so as an equal partner and must share our views on the future of the country.
“All parties are equal before the law.
“We are talking about the future of Nigeria,” Alkali, a former national publicity secretary of the PDP said.
He decried the lack of sophistication in political negotiations in Nigeria, saying that people should not come to a negotiation with the sole option that the NNPP Presidential Candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, should step down his ambition for them.
According to him, when a party sits down to negotiate, they have to first try to understand themselves: what is it that they share in common–ideals, vision, manifestos, aims and objectives-to work together.
He added that parties should also agree on the level of the alliance either at the house of assembly, representatives, senate, governorship or presidential.
“In politics we talk about capacity”, he said.
The chairman, however, said that Nigeria cannot afford to make mistakes in 2023, stating that the NNPP would usher in fresh ideas on building the nation’s economy if elected.
“NNPP is a Nigeria project and will usher in a spontaneous change in the nation’s polity,” he added.
He noted that the NNPP remained the fastest growing political party in Nigeria and would soon get the support of the majority of Nigerians nationwide.
He said the NNPP would remain consistent with its principles which was to better the life of Nigerian masses.
On power rotation, the scholar said that the concept of zoning is the bane of the nation’s polity.
“What Nigeria needs is leadership that people can trust and will deliver,” Mr Alkali, a professor of political science and economy said.
On Muslim-Muslim ticket, the chairman said it was the prerogative of the candidate to choose his or her running mate, noting that what should matter most should be tackling Nigeria’s challenges.
He added: “If we want this country to change we must move beyond zoning and religious discussion.
“We have passed the stage of contradictions of zoning and religious sentiments.”
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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