The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has disclosed why it rejected the defection of former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general election. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the national chairman of the PRP, made this revelation during a Hausa political programme, stating that the discussions broke down due to the demands made by the two politicians.
Demand for Automatic Ticket
According to Baba-Ahmed, Obi and Kwankwaso approached the PRP for a potential collaboration, and talks progressed to the point where a committee was proposed to deliberate on certain conditions they presented. However, a major sticking point was their request to be automatically named as the party's presidential candidates without facing any internal opposition. The PRP chairman emphasized that the party does not practice such politics, stating, "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."
Public Reactions
The revelation has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some social media users accused the PRP of using Obi's name to gain relevance. Chuks Umezuruike commented, "Peter Obi everywhere, everybody looking for relevant must talk about Peter Obi. Nigerians choose him!" Others criticized the former presidential aide, with Kabir Abdullahi saying, "But you first asked them to come to your party for a ticket; now that they refused, you can say whatever you want to say." Comr Ofunne Benjamin alleged that the PRP initially called on Obi and Kwankwaso to join, and when they refused, the party claimed to have rejected them.
Kwankwaso's Alliance with Obi
In related news, Rabiu Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, explained that he agreed to work with Peter Obi after an assessment by northern political leaders. Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, dismissed allegations of a power struggle between him and Obi, recalling that even during the 2023 general elections, his daughter had advised him to collaborate with Obi.
The PRP's decision and the subsequent public discourse highlight the complex political alignments and realignments taking place as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election.
