The Kwankwaso National Network (KNN), a political group of former governor of Kano State and vice presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said Peter Obi will liberate Nigeria from her present economic and security quagmire and restore its pride of place if given the mantle of leadership in 2027.

The South East zonal coordinator of the group, Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai, stated this in a chat with newsmen in Umuahia, Abia State, at the weekend.

Dr. Ukpai described the alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso as a strategic one aimed at liberating democracy from the claws of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This is a strategic move to liberate our democracy from the claws of the incompetent ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and to unite the previously seriously fragmented opposition.

“This singular political alliance, which has brought together the two most popular organic political movements in Nigeria presently (Obidient Movement and Kwankwassiya Movement), is, today, the greatest nightmare of the ruling party”.

KNN said it is no longer in doubt that many Nigerians have embraced the Obi-Kwankwaso joint ticket as the only hope for national restoration in 2027.

On the claim by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that all the South-East governors have agreed to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, KNN said it is rejecting such claim.

He advised President Tinubu not to be misled by claims that do not represent the aspirations of a region that still feels politically marginalised and excluded, and unfairly treated.

“We strongly reject Governor Hope Uzodimma’s claim that South East governors have resolved to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Such a declaration neither reflects the mood of the people of the South East nor carries the democratic mandate of the South East electorate.

“As a formidable political Network with an active grassroots presence across the region, we remind Governor Uzodimma that governors cannot unilaterally determine the political choice of the South East. The people, not elected officials, will decide their preferred candidates at the polls”.

KNN said the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as cited by Governor Uzodimma, is not a special favour to the South East zone, as every geopolitical zone now has a development commission.

Dr. Ukpai said working with its strategic partners, the KNN was fully committed to delivering at least five million votes for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket from the South East in 2027.

“Our goal is to mobilise, at least, one million votes from each of the five South East states. We are determined to surpass Peter Obi’s 2023 performance in the South East and ensure that the Obi – Kwankwaso ticket records a resounding landslide across the region.

“In view of the growing popularity of the Obi – Kwankwaso ticket, we declare our readiness to meet our target.

We have already put in place water-tight strategies to actualise this”.

The group commended Senator Kwankwaso for shelving his presidential ambition in 2027 and accepting a joint ticket with Mr Obi in a broader political alliance and synergy aimed at rescuing Nigeria from political hijack by what it described as a tiny political merchants. (The Sun)

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