PRP Rejected Obi, Kwankwaso’s Request for Automatic Presidential Ticket — Baba-Ahmed

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, says talks with Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections collapsed over demands for guaranteed control of the party’s presidential ticket.

Speaking on a Hausa political programme on DITV Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed said both politicians approached the PRP for possible political collaboration, but negotiations stalled after disagreements over the party’s internal process.

According to him, the PRP rejected requests to hand over its presidential ticket without a competitive process.

“They told us they wanted to join the PRP, but they also wanted assurance that the presidential ticket would be given to them,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He said the party insisted that anyone seeking office under the PRP platform must first become a member and follow established procedures.

“We told them this is the PRP. We do not operate that way. You join the party first, then contest according to the rules,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed added that the party leadership acknowledged the political weight of both Obi and Kwankwaso but refused to suspend its internal democratic process for any individual.

He also disclosed that both camps requested key party positions for their supporters as part of the proposed arrangement.

According to him, the PRP did not reject discussions over appointments but maintained that such negotiations could only happen after formal membership.

The PRP chairman further said concerns raised by the two politicians included the party’s visibility on the Independent National Electoral Commission portal and disputes involving individuals claiming to represent the party.

He said the issues were being addressed but contributed to the breakdown of negotiations.

Despite the failed talks, Baba-Ahmed said both sides ended discussions on good terms.

“There was no quarrel. We wished each other well and parted peacefully,” he said.