Why PRP Rejected Peter Obi, Kwankwaso for 2027 Alliance – Baba-Ahmed

Baba-Ahmed has revealed why PRP rejected Peter Obi and Kwankwaso for the 2027 alliance.

Philips News reports that the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has clarified the reasons why Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), were unable to affiliate with the PRP ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a Hausa political programme on DITV Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed indicated that negotiations between the PRP and the two politicians failed due to disagreements over the terms of their potential membership.

The PRP National Chairman noted that Obi and Kwankwaso had initially approached the PRP for a possible alliance, and discussions had advanced to the stage where a committee was suggested to facilitate further dialogue.

“They approached us, expressing their desire to join the PRP, but during our discussions, they presented certain conditions,” he stated.

The PRP chairman highlighted that a significant point of contention was the demand from both politicians to obtain the party’s presidential ticket without facing internal opposition.

“Prior to joining, they indicated that they were presidential candidates, which implied they should be awarded the ticket. We responded by saying no, this is the PRP; we do not engage in that type of politics,” Baba-Ahmed remarked.

He asserted that the party maintained that Obi and Kwankwaso must first officially join the PRP and adhere to its established protocols before pursuing any elective positions.

Baba-Ahmed elaborated, “I informed them that they should first become members of the party. Once they have joined, they can then approach me, saying, ‘I am Obi, and I wish to run for president,’ and ‘I am Kwankwaso, and I aspire to be his running mate.’

“However, for you to approach us prior to any decision being reached and request that we assure you the ticket without any opposition is concerning. If you are indeed formidable contenders, then what is the basis for your apprehension regarding competition?”

Baba-Ahmed remarked that the leadership of the PRP recognised the political clout and support networks of both individuals, yet insisted that the party could not contravene its constitution and internal democratic procedures.

He stated, “We were of the opinion that if anyone were to enter a room and observe Obi and Kwankwaso, they would conclude that strong contenders had arrived. Nevertheless, we cannot compromise our party’s regulations.”

Baba-Ahmed also revealed that the camps of the two politicians had requested a considerable number of party positions due to the supporters they planned to bring into the PRP.

The PRP Chairman, “They asked for numerous positions to be allocated to them, citing their large number of supporters. We informed them that this was not an issue; they should first join the party, and then we could convene to discuss further.”