The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has confirmed that talks with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria People’s Party leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso broke down over demands for guaranteed tickets to the top of the party’s ticket.
In an interview with ITV, PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed explained that Obi and Kwankwaso approached the party seeking a collaborative arrangement and that negotiations had progressed to the point where a joint committee was being considered. However, the two politicians reportedly insisted on being automatically designated as the party’s presidential and vice‑presidential candidates before formally joining.
“Their condition was that they would become our flag‑bearers without contest,” Baba‑Ahmed said. “We told them that the PRP operates on internal democratic procedures and that anyone who wants to contest must first become a bona‑fide member and go through the party’s nomination process.”
Baba‑Ahmed added that the duo also asked for a sizeable share of party offices to accommodate their followers. While the PRP acknowledged the political weight of both figures, it maintained that allocating positions on the basis of external pressure would contravene the party’s constitution.
Complicating the negotiations were administrative concerns. The candidates’ camp noted that the PRP’s name was absent from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, a discrepancy the party said was being rectified. Additionally, rumours of individuals falsely claiming PRP affiliation created uncertainty about the party’s internal cohesion.
Despite the stalemate, Baba‑Ahmed stressed that the discussions ended amicably. “We wished each other well and there was no confrontation,” he said.
The episode highlights the challenges smaller parties face when courting high‑profile politicians who seek immediate leadership roles. For the PRP, preserving its democratic norms appears to have taken precedence over short‑term electoral calculations. Observers will watch how the party navigates future alliances and whether it can sustain its relevance in an increasingly competitive political landscape.
