The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has revealed why discussions aimed at bringing former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, into the PRP failed ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a political programme on DITV Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed disclosed that talks between the PRP and the two politicians broke down over disagreements surrounding conditions for joining the party.
According to him, both Obi and Kwankwaso had approached the PRP for possible political collaboration, and discussions had advanced significantly before differences emerged.
He explained that one of the key issues was the request by the two political figures to secure the party’s presidential ticket without going through internal competition.
“They came and said they wanted to join the PRP, but when we sat down to discuss, there were conditions attached,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He noted that the PRP leadership rejected the proposal, insisting that no individual could be handed the party’s ticket automatically without following established procedures.
“Before joining, they wanted assurances that the presidential ticket would be reserved for them. We told them that is not how the PRP operates,” he stated.
Baba-Ahmed explained that the party advised both politicians to first become official members before seeking any elective position through the party’s internal democratic process.
“I told them, first join the party. After that, you can declare your intention to contest. If you are truly strong contenders, then there should be no fear of competition,” he added.
The PRP chairman acknowledged the political influence and nationwide support enjoyed by both Obi and Kwankwaso but maintained that the party could not compromise its constitution or principles for any individual.
He also disclosed that representatives of both politicians requested significant party positions for their supporters as part of the proposed arrangement.
According to him, the PRP was open to discussions but insisted that all negotiations must align with the party’s rules and internal structure.
“They said they had many supporters and wanted positions allocated to them. We said that could be discussed after formally joining the party,” Baba-Ahmed explained.
The comments offer fresh insight into behind-the-scenes political alignments and coalition talks already shaping conversations ahead of the 2027 elections.
