Why Obi, Kwankwaso, Didn’t Join PRP — Baba-Ahmed

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has explained why talks involving former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joining the party eventually collapsed.

There had been speculation that Obi and Kwankwaso were planning to leave the African Democratic Congress for the PRP before later settling for the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Speaking during an interview with DITV Kaduna on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed disclosed that discussions were held with both politicians but failed due to disagreements over conditions attached to their proposed defection.

He said the major issue was the request by Obi and Kwankwaso to be assured of the party’s presidential ticket before officially joining the PRP.

“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,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed stated that the PRP rejected the demand because the party does not hand out tickets without internal competition.

“Before they joined, they told us that they were the presidential candidates, meaning they should be given the ticket. We told them no, this is PRP; we do not practice that kind of politics.

“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’.

“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 queried.