Why Obi, Kwankwaso failed to join PRP — Baba-Ahmed

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has explained why former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-New Nigeria Peoples Party presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso did not eventually join the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a political programme aired on DITV Kaduna on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed said discussions between the PRP and the two politicians collapsed over disagreements surrounding conditions attached to their proposed entry into the party.

According to him, Obi and Kwankwaso approached the PRP for possible collaboration, but negotiations later broke down after both sides failed to agree on certain demands.

Baba-Ahmed disclosed that one of the major sticking points was the request for guaranteed presidential tickets without going through competitive party processes.

He said the PRP rejected the proposal, insisting that every aspirant must first become a registered member of the party and comply with its constitutional procedures before contesting for any position.

The PRP chairman maintained that the party could not abandon its internal democratic principles, regardless of the political influence or popularity of the individuals involved.

He added that the camps of both politicians also requested the allocation of several party positions based on their claimed support base, but the party insisted that such discussions could only take place after formal membership.

Baba-Ahmed further revealed that concerns raised over the party’s registration status on the Independent National Electoral Commission portal, as well as internal disputes involving individuals claiming membership of the PRP, also contributed to the failed talks.

According to him, both sides eventually ended the discussions peacefully without hostility.

He said the PRP and the politicians parted on good terms after recognising that they could not reach a workable agreement.