2027: Kwankwaso tackles Baba-Ahmed over alleged demand for PRP presidential ticket
Kwankwaso Challenges Baba-Ahmed Over Allegations of Presidential Ticket Demand
By Hadiza Yusuf
KANO — Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), stated that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), did not join the PRP ahead of the 2027 general elections because they sought the party’s presidential ticket, which the PRP did not grant.
During a Hausa political program on DITV in Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed revealed that discussions with both politicians ended after disagreements regarding the terms of their potential membership in the PRP.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement swiftly responded, labeling Baba-Ahmed’s remarks as an attempt to gain publicity. Attempts to contact Peter Obi for a statement were unsuccessful.
Baba-Ahmed explained that the initial discussions involved the possibility of collaboration, but issues arose when Obi and Kwankwaso reportedly requested the ticket without facing any internal opposition.
“They approached us and indicated they wanted to join the PRP, but during our discussions, they made certain demands,” Baba-Ahmed said. One of the core issues was their insistence on being granted the presidential ticket prior to formally joining the party.
He emphasized the PRP’s commitment to democratic principles, stating, “Before they joined, they told us they were presidential candidates, meaning they should be given the ticket. We told them no; this is the PRP; we do not practice that kind of politics.”
Baba-Ahmed added that both politicians had to abide by the party’s rules before seeking any electoral positions. “I told them: first come into the party. After joining, you can then express your presidential ambitions.”
He acknowledged the political clout of both figures but reiterated that the PRP would not compromise its constitution or internal democratic process.
“They made a request for several party positions to accommodate their supporters,” he said, noting that the PRP was open to discussions after they formally joined.
In response, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, rejected Baba-Ahmed’s claims, stating he was unaware of any such agreement.
“There was no official meeting where demands for a ticket were made,” Mohammed said. He characterized Baba-Ahmed’s statements as an attempt to draw attention, particularly given the rising political profile of both Obi and Kwankwaso.
He asserted, “I don’t believe there was ever an occasion where they presented themselves to the PRP and demanded a presidential ticket. The claims appear unfounded and should not merit a response.”
Following their departure from NNPP, both Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have since aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to pursue their presidential ambitions in the upcoming elections.
