The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the South-East region has lost across major political fronts, stressing that the only hope to the realisation of its aspiration is with his party.
He pointed out the political challenges bedevilling the South-East, adding that it should be tackled politically.
The former governor of Kano State made this disclosure on Saturday in Gombe State, after inaugurating the state secretariat of the NNPP.
Kwankwaso explained that the region has not been strategic in its plans, noting that they are at the lowest ebb politically.
He said, “I like people of the South-East so much that the Kwankwaso, Kwankwasiyya you hear, many thought it Okonkwo and sons. They said because an Hausa man can’t say Okonkwo and sons, he now turned it to Kwankwaso.
“The South-East is good in terms of business, very hard working and industrious, but one area they must learn is politics. They are at the bottom line.
“If you look at the situation, they have lost out with APC and PDP; no President, no Vice President. The only opportunity the South East has to be President or Vice is with the NNPP. Coincidentally, the party was registered by an Igbo man from Anambra State.
“This is the only golden opportunity that they have. If they lose this opportunity, it will be a disaster. You see the young men and women who keep saying they are marginalised whereas no one is marginalising them because it (politics) is based on calculation.
“Someone was telling me that even if our friend (Peter Obi) wants to withdraw to accept VP, some people in the South East will not accept. All sorts of thinking which is not strategic.”
He added, “The best for the South East is to come and partner. Maybe after eight years, after our term, that is the only time they will say okay he is the best for the country.
“Eight years is just like eight days or months but if you are not prepared for it, it will come and leave you worse.
“We are flexible to get the right person. One of them is the Labour Party man (Peter Obi) you are talking about.”
