Northern leaders on Sunday said they were optimistic that Senator Rabiu Kwankwanso, the presidential candi­date of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), will eventually step down for Atiku Abubakar, the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).Though Kwankwaso, who has a large followership known as ‘Kwankasiyya movement’ in the Northern part of the country, has acknowledged pressure from certain quarters to step down, he has vowed not to withdraw from the race but slug it out with other contestants in the February 25 presidential election.

Late last year, in Lagos, when asked if he will step down in the days ahead, he said, “We are not merging with any political par­ty, and anybody thinking I am stepping down must be mis­chievous. We have our names already approved by INEC to contest. NNPP is all out to win the 2023 general elections. No se­rious person should now think of anyone of us stepping down at this stage. I am ready for all candidates for debates.”

Also speaking at Chatham House few days ago, the former Kano State governor said he re­plied those asking him to step down that he may consider the option if he sees any candidate better than him in terms of ex­perience.

“What I told them is what I will tell you. If anybody wants Kwankwaso to withdraw, just bring criteria and select the best. Anytime I have a better candidate, I am ready to talk to him,” he said.