2027: “They wanted presidential ticket without competition” – PRP explains why Obi, Kwankwaso failed to join party

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has explained why former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, did not join the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a Hausa political programme on DITV Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed said discussions between the PRP and the two political figures collapsed due to disagreements over conditions attached to their possible entry into the party.

According to him, negotiations initially progressed smoothly, with a committee set up to continue talks, but later broke down when both politicians reportedly made demands regarding the party’s presidential ticket.

He said Obi and Kwankwaso allegedly wanted assurances that they would be handed the PRP presidential ticket without internal competition.

“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 PRP; we do not practice that kind of politics,” Baba-Ahmed said.

The PRP chairman stated that the party insisted both men must first formally join the party and comply with its internal democratic procedures before seeking any elective position.

He added that while the party recognised their political influence and followership, it could not bypass its constitution or internal processes.

Baba-Ahmed also disclosed that discussions included requests for key party positions based on the expected influx of supporters from both camps, but the PRP maintained that such arrangements could only be considered after formal membership.

He further noted that concerns about the party’s status on the INEC portal and internal disagreements within the PRP also contributed to the collapse of the talks.

According to him, both sides ultimately parted ways amicably without any conflict.

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

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