The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, on Wednesday revealed why efforts by Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to join the party failed.
DAILY POST reports that there were speculations about Obi and Kwankwaso dumping the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for PRP but they later opted for Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
Speaking on why the planned defection to PRP failed, Baba-Ahmed said though there were talks between the PRP and the two politicians, the discussions collapsed after disagreements.
According to him, the disagreement followed conditions and demands Obi and Kwankwaso attached to their proposed entry into the party.
“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.
In an interview with DITV Kaduna, Baba-Ahmed revealed that a key issue that blocked the two politicians was their request to be guaranteed the party’s presidential ticket without going through 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?” he asked.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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