2027: We rejected Obi, Kwankwaso’s presidential ticket demand – PRP

By Tolulope Oke

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has explained why former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were unable to join the PRP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a Hausa political programme on DITV Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed stated that discussions between the PRP and the two politicians broke down due to disagreements over the conditions for joining the party.

He explained that Obi and Kwankwaso initially approached the PRP for possible collaboration, and negotiations progressed to a point where a committee was proposed to continue talks. However, Baba-Ahmed said, “They came and said they wanted to join the PRP, but when we sat down and discussed with them, there were certain demands they made.”

One of the major issues raised was the request by both politicians to secure the party’s presidential ticket without facing internal opposition.

“Before they joined, they told us that they were the presidential candidates, meaning they should be given the ticket. We told them no, this is the PRP; we do not practice that kind of politics,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He emphasised that the party insisted that Obi and Kwankwaso must first formally join the PRP and follow its laid-down procedures before seeking any elective position.

“I told them: first come into the party. After joining, you can then tell me, ‘I am Obi and I want to run for President,’ and ‘I am Kwankwaso and I want to be his running mate.’ But for you to come even before a decision is made and ask us to guarantee you the ticket without opposition — if you are truly strong contenders, then why fear competition?” Baba-Ahmed questioned.

Although Baba-Ahmed acknowledged the political influence and support base of both men, he made it clear that the PRP could not violate its constitution and internal democratic processes.

“We believed that if anyone entered a room and saw Obi and Kwankwaso, they would think strong contenders had arrived,” he said. “But we cannot break our party’s rules.”

The PRP chairman also revealed that the camps of both politicians had requested a significant number of party positions because of the supporters they intended to bring into the PRP.

“They requested that many positions be given to them because they said they had many supporters. We told them this was not a problem — come into the party first, then we can sit down and discuss,” Baba-Ahmed added.

He also mentioned that concerns over the party’s status on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal and internal disputes within the PRP contributed to the collapse of the talks.

“They said when they checked the INEC portal, they could not find our party’s name there, which has now been addressed. But they also heard some people falsely claiming to be PRP members, which they felt could create confusion if they joined the party. We told them we are doing our best to address that too,” Baba-Ahmed explained.

Despite the breakdown in discussions, Baba-Ahmed said both sides ended the talks amicably.

“We wished each other well and parted peacefully. There was no quarrel or fight,” he said