By Our reporters
Ahead of the July 15 nomination deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the New Nigeria People’s Party’s presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso appears to be in a dilemma over his choice of running mate.
Sahelian Times has exclusively gathered that Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State, has been reaching out to his close allies in Southern Nigeria in the hope of finding a credible person who will command widespread support from the region.
Kwankwaso had recently visited the embattled Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike with the hope of convincing him to defect to the NNPP and pick up the vice presidential ticket denied to him by the PDP but Wike ruled out leaving the PDP and deputizing for Kwankwaso.
“Oga is in a fix, he has some credible options before him, but he is taking his time to pick someone who will appeal to those hurt by APC’s decision to go for an all-Muslim ticket.
“His preference was Governor Wike, but he (Wike) has informed him of his decision to stay in the PDP and fight the injustice he believes has been meted on him, “ a source close to the matter who craves anonymity disclosed to us.
In the meantime, credible sources believe that Kwankwaso has finally settled for Bishop Isaac Idahosa, a presiding Bishop and the senior pastor of God First Ministry, popularly known as Illumination Assembly, Lekki Light Centre (LLC), in Lagos, since the fallout of his merger with the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
SAHELIAN TIMES, further gathered that the frontrunners for the running mate as Wednesday, are a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof Kingsley Moghalu, a former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and Bishop Idahosa.
However, Idahosa is believed to be favored by Kwankwaso, due his quest for a Christian from Southwestern Nigeria, a decision aimed to attract Christians who are upset by the Muslim -Muslim ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
“He (Idahosa), was in Kano with Kwankwaso over the weekend, and was involved in a number of meetings that took place there, I believe he prefers the Bishop but he is taking his time in gauging what the other options might offer his ticket.”
