Baba Ahmed: Why Obi and Kwankwaso Were Rejected for the Presidential Ticket

• Insists party rules must be followed

National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed, explained why former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso were unable to join PRP ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on a Hausa political programme on DITV Kaduna, Baba‑Ahmed said that talks between PRP and the two politicians collapsed after disagreements over the conditions for joining the party.

According to him, Obi and Kwankwaso first approached PRP to explore a possible collaboration, and negotiations progressed to the point where a committee was proposed to continue the discussions.

“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,” he said.

The PRP chairman said a key issue was the request from both men 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 PRP; we do not practice that kind of politics,” Baba‑Ahmed said.

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

Baba‑Ahmed explained, “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 said the PRP leadership recognised the political influence and support base of both men, but maintained that the party could not violate its constitution and internal democratic process.

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

He further disclosed that the camps of the two politicians also requested a significant number of party positions because of the supporters they intended to bring into PRP.

Baba‑Ahmed stated, “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.”