Party Shockwave: PRP Denies Selling Nomination Forms to Kwankwaso

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has strongly dismissed allegations that the party sold 69 nomination forms in Kano State to Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections. During an interview on ARISE Television, Baba-Ahmed unequivocally stated that these claims were "complete fiction," "baseless," and "fabricated," emphasizing their disconnection from the PRP's actual activities. He highlighted that the legitimate PRP state chairman in Kano had already refuted the report as "complete bunkum."

The controversy originated from claims made by a self-styled PRP chairman in Kano, Abdulkadir Musa-Guza. Musa-Guza alleged that Rabiu Kwankwaso, or individuals associated with him, had purchased nomination forms for all 69 elective positions in Kano State. This purported action was framed as an attempt to seize control of the party's structure in preparation for the 2027 general elections. Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Kano, Musa-Guza accused the former Kano State governor of trying to infiltrate the PRP despite not being an official member.

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed firmly countered these allegations, explaining that such a transaction was impossible given the party's internal procedures. He clarified that the PRP issues nomination forms exclusively from its national headquarters in Abuja, not from state offices like Kano. Baba-Ahmed further asserted that Abdulkadir Musa-Guza, the individual making the accusations, is completely unknown to the party and possesses no official position or authority to sell any forms on behalf of the PRP. He suggested that the entire controversy might be a concoction stemming from local political disputes within Kano. The National Chairman reiterated that the PRP had already sold forms from Abuja to legitimate candidates from Kano, who subsequently registered, contested, and completed their primaries over a month ago, with their names now being forwarded to INEC.

Baba-Ahmed also disclosed that he had personally communicated with Kwankwaso regarding the matter. According to Baba-Ahmed, Kwankwaso was equally surprised and "amused" by the allegation, particularly since he is not a member of the PRP and the idea of buying forms for "non-existent candidates" was absurd. The PRP chairman additionally addressed past reports concerning Kwankwaso and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi considering joining the PRP. He confirmed that discussions did indeed take place but ultimately did not result in a formal alliance. He explained that after careful deliberation, they decided their "needs would not be met by the party," leading to an amicable parting.

Furthermore, Baba-Ahmed used the opportunity to dismiss any reports of factional disputes within the Peoples Redemption Party. He affirmed the party's unity and its steadfast focus on upcoming elections. He acknowledged that the PRP had navigated a challenging period marked by internal and external attempts to cripple it, including a delay from INEC in uploading their names after a successful, INEC-observed convention. Despite these hurdles, Baba-Ahmed confidently stated that the PRP is now a "very healthy party" and looks forward to a "vigorous and transparent competition," expressing optimism that the party will make a significant impact this time around.