The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has explained why former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso did not join the party despite early discussions.
He made the disclosure during an appearance on Channels Television Sunday Politics programme, where he said both politicians were interested in aligning with the party but raised conditions that the party could not accept.
According to him, Obi and Kwankwaso sought firm guarantees that they would automatically secure the presidential and vice presidential tickets before agreeing to join the PRP. He said the party refused to commit to such demands because it would go against its democratic processes.
Baba Ahmed also said the two politicians wanted assurances that a large number of party positions would be reserved for their supporters, explaining that they were planning to enter the party as broad political movements rather than individuals.
He added that concerns about the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission also affected negotiations, especially delays in recognising the party’s new national executive leadership.
He noted that both Obi and Kwankwaso were worried the situation suggested internal challenges between the PRP and the electoral body, which contributed to their decision not to proceed with joining the party.
Baba Ahmed further stated that Obi and Kwankwaso wanted presidential ticket guarantees but the PRP rejected it as undemocratic, and the talks eventually collapsed as both politicians moved on to other political arrangements.
