The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has claimed that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, did not end up joining the PRP ahead of the 2027 elections because they allegedly insisted on being handed presidential tickets without contest.
Speaking during a Hausa political programme in Kaduna, he said early discussions between the PRP and both politicians progressed to a stage where a committee was expected to continue negotiations, but later collapsed due to disagreements over conditions for entry.
According to him, both politicians initially showed interest in aligning with the PRP, but complications arose when they reportedly sought automatic presidential tickets and significant party influence based on their political followings.
He explained that the party rejected the request, insisting that any aspirant must first become a full member and go through the party’s established internal democratic process before seeking any position.
Baba-Ahmed maintained that while the PRP recognised the political weight of both Obi and Kwankwaso, it would not abandon its constitution or allow preferential treatment.
He also alleged that the camps of both politicians requested key party positions for their supporters as part of the proposed arrangement, which the party declined, stating that such matters could only be discussed after formal entry into the party.
In response, the Kwankwasiyya Movement, linked to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, dismissed the claims, saying it was not aware of any formal meeting where such demands were made.
A spokesperson for the movement argued that the PRP had previously made public appeals inviting Obi, Kwankwaso, and others to join the party, and suggested that no documented negotiation included requests for automatic tickets.
He further described the allegation as an attempt to draw attention, insisting that there was no record of either politician approaching the PRP to demand a presidential ticket.
The movement maintained that the claims were unfounded and should not have generated controversy.
Peoples Redemption Party
Peter Obi
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Labour Party
New Nigeria People’s Party
Kwankwasiyya Movement
