Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Wanted Automatic PRP Presidential Ticket Before Joining — Baba-Ahmed Reveals

Fresh details have emerged on why plans by former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join the Peoples Redemption Party eventually collapsed before both politicians moved to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

National Chairman of the PRP, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said discussions between the party and the two opposition figures broke down after disagreements over conditions attached to their proposed entry into the party.

Speaking during an interview on DITV Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed disclosed that Obi and Kwankwaso allegedly wanted assurances over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket before officially becoming members of the PRP.

According to him, the PRP leadership rejected the proposal, insisting that the party would not hand over its presidential ticket without an open internal contest.

“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,” Baba-Ahmed said.

The PRP chairman explained that the major sticking point was the request for a guaranteed presidential arrangement involving both politicians ahead of the 2027 election.

“Before they joined, they told us that they were the presidential candidates, meaning they should be given the ticket,” he stated.

Baba-Ahmed said the party made it clear that all aspirants must pass through the same democratic process regardless of political status or popularity.

“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’,” he said.

He further questioned why established political figures would avoid internal competition if they were confident about their popularity and electoral strength.

“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 added.

The revelation comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, following the decision of Obi and Kwankwaso to dump the crisis-hit African Democratic Congress and align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Their movement has continued to trigger debate within opposition circles over coalition politics, zoning arrangements and the battle for control of Nigeria’s opposition landscape before the next presidential race.