The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has clarified the reasons why former Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were unable to affiliate with the PRP ahead of the 2027 general election.
During a Hausa political programme on DITV Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed indicated that negotiations between the PRP and the two politicians failed due to disagreements over the terms of their potential membership.
He noted that Obi and Kwankwaso had initially approached the PRP for a possible alliance, and discussions had advanced to the stage where a committee was suggested to facilitate further dialogue.
“They approached us, expressing their desire to join the PRP, but during our discussions, they presented certain conditions,” he stated.
The PRP chairman highlighted that a significant point of contention was the demand from both politicians to obtain the party’s presidential ticket without facing internal opposition.
“Prior to joining, they indicated that they were presidential candidates, which implied they should be awarded the ticket. We responded by saying no, this is the PRP; we do not engage in that type of politics,” Baba-Ahmed remarked.
He asserted that the party maintained that Obi and Kwankwaso must first officially join the PRP and adhere to its established protocols before pursuing any elective positions.
Baba-Ahmed elaborated, “I informed them that they should first become members of the party. Once they have joined, they can then approach me, saying, ‘I am Obi and I wish to run for president,’ and ‘I am Kwankwaso and I aspire to be his running mate.’
“However, for you to approach us prior to any decision being reached and request that we assure you the ticket without any opposition is concerning. If you are indeed formidable contenders, then what is the basis for your apprehension regarding competition?”
Baba-Ahmed remarked that the leadership of the PRP recognised the political clout and support networks of both individuals, yet insisted that the party could not contravene its constitution and internal democratic procedures.
He stated, “We were of the opinion that if anyone were to enter a room and observe Obi and Kwankwaso, they would conclude that strong contenders had arrived. Nevertheless, we cannot compromise our party’s regulations.”
He also revealed that the camps of the two politicians had requested a considerable number of party positions due to the supporters they planned to bring into the PRP.
Baba-Ahmed noted, “They asked for numerous positions to be allocated to them, citing their large number of supporters. We informed them that this was not an issue; they should first join the party, and then we could convene to discuss further.”