PRP Chairman Lays Out Terms for Joining 2027 Opposition Coalition

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) says it remains open to opposition coalition talks but will not compromise its ideology, identity, or core principles in the process.

Baba-Ahmed said the party is already part of the coalition in principle, stressing the need for opposition parties to pool their strengths and resources. He argued that the emerging coalition must develop a clear identity and articulate to Nigerians what it offers beyond simply replacing the APC-led administration. "We need to tell Nigerians what the coalition is about beyond just replacing the APC government," he said.

According to the chairman, the coalition must present concrete solutions to insecurity, poverty, and the divisions affecting the country, adding that such a programme would help convince Nigerians that the coalition represents a genuinely different political direction.

Coalition of "the Willing and the Able"

Baba-Ahmed disclosed that about six or seven active opposition parties are currently collaborating within the coalition, with the possibility of additional parties joining. He described the arrangement as a "coalition of the willing and the able," built on trust and caution.

The PRP chairman stated that the party would not support any arrangement carrying burdens capable of compromising the coalition's quality and sincerity, adding that PRP would withdraw should the coalition become a worse alternative to a continued Tinubu administration. "We will walk away if the coalition were to adopt policy, principles, identity or strategy that offends the core values of the PRP," he said.

Lessons from Past Coalitions

Baba-Ahmed acknowledged widespread scepticism among Nigerians toward opposition coalitions, noting that previous arrangements had produced varying outcomes. He said the party had studied earlier coalitions and recognised that each was shaped by the unique circumstances surrounding its formation, citing the 2015 political coalition as proof that collaboration among parties can succeed under the right conditions. According to him, the current coalition is being built with lessons drawn from those past experiences alongside present-day political realities.

PRP's Strength Lies in Ideology, Not Resources

Baba-Ahmed maintained that PRP remains a credible electoral force despite lacking access to the resources typically associated with controlling federal or state governments, noting that the party's strength lies in its ideology, principles, and commitment to serving ordinary and poor Nigerians. "We may not have money to give you to vote for us, and we don't even want to give you money to vote for us," he said, adding that the party would instead seek to earn Nigerians' trust through its demonstrated commitment to changing the country's development trajectory.

He said PRP aspires to play a frontline role in rebuilding Nigeria and creating a safer, more secure future for its citizens.

Party Open to Sacrificing Presidential Ambition

Baba-Ahmed revealed that PRP is prepared to consider sacrificing its presidential ambition if doing so would strengthen the broader opposition platform — though he stressed that such a decision would depend on an arrangement that convinces the party the sacrifice is genuinely worthwhile.

The chairman described the party's presidential candidate, former Cross River Governor Donald Duke, as "excellent," but added that PRP would consider backing another candidate should such an arrangement present a stronger opportunity for opposition collaboration.