A coalition of civil society organisations on Wednesday called on the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, to step down for the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Musa Kwankwaso, to avoid unnecessary splitting of votes in the North.

The coalition, however, acknowledged that Atiku had done his best for the nation as a former Vice President.

Addressing journalists in Abuja at the NNPP secretariat, the leader of the coalition, Bishop Godwin Abah, said the destiny of Nigeria was at stake and as such, requires the political sagacity and tenacity of purpose of Kwankwaso Presidency to redirect the country.

Abah said the organisations had meticulously assessed leading political parties and their presidential candidates, including their antecedents and democratic credentials, adding that it came to the conclusion that Kwankwaso stood out among other contenders for president.

He said, “A servant-leader with milk of human kindness, Kwankwaso transformed Kano State as a two- term governor and will bring his wealth of experience as former Minister of Defence, Ambassador, Senator, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives etc., to bear on national governance as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It was also the opinion of the rural Nigerians that the coalition interfaced with that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should set aside his presidential aspiration for a dynamic, pragmatic, energetic and resourceful Kwankwaso.

“Accordingly, the coalition calls on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate to step down for the NNPP presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to avoid unnecessary splitting of votes in the North.

“Kwankwaso will inject fresh air in governance, restore hope to a bewildered nation that has seen more carnage than dividends of democracy and build a new Nigeria we all desire.

“Atiku has done his best for the nation, we appreciate his contribution as Vice President of Nigeria. He remains a statesman.

“Today, the nation is at a crossroads, the destiny of Nigeria is at stake and requires the political sagacity, capacity, savvy and tenacity of purpose of Kwankwaso – Isaac Idahosa Presidency to redirect the country from its perilous course.”