The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso said that it is wrong for any presidential candidate to assume the 2023 presidential election is a birthright.
Kwankwaso said this during on Sunday an Editors Forum, an initiative of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), in Lagos State.
BizWatch Nigeria recalls that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) presidential primary election declared that it is his turn to lead; to be Nigeria’s president.
Kwankwaso however said the APC and PDP have failed Nigerians, noting that some presidential candidates are shying away from debates.
“Now, people are not talking about parties. They are talking about candidates and individuals. The APC and PDP have failed Nigerians. That is why we are in this mess today,” Vanguard quoted him as saying.
“I am ready for debates. Let us put our cards on the table. Some of the candidates are running away from debates. Some of them should look at themselves in the mirror and tell themselves the truth.
“Some of them are our seniors. You cannot cheat nature. Anybody who says 2023 is his turn is making a huge mistake.
According to the NNPP’s presidential candidate, Nigeria requires a minimum of one million people in the armed forces to combat insecurity.
He expressed concern about the insecurity in the north, saying it was the hardest hit.
“So many people have lost their lives and means of livelihood. Some are in the hospitals while some are internally displaced and cannot work,” Kwankwaso said.
“We believe that there must be security for us to experience progress and development.
“After studying the level of insecurity in the country, I believe that there is a need to recruit more military personnel.
“Considering the ratio of civilians to military personnel, there is a need to increase the number of personnel in the armed forces. We need a minimum of one million.”
He stated that restructuring is only possible if good leaders are committed to uniting Nigerians and improving security, the economy, and education.
“If elected president, I will listen to Nigerians on the subject.
I will be open to discussions and negotiations and also consider adjustments capable of moving the country forward,” he said.
“We are not going to be rigid on restructuring, especially in the areas of insecurity, economy and education. These three are crucial for development to take place.”
Kwankwaso also denied rumors that he is being pressured to resign in order to make way for Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate (PDP).
“That rumour is coming from detractors; it is just wishful thinking,” he said.
“NNPP is all out to win the 2023 election and there is nothing anyone can do about it. I know l will get the required numbers.”
