Photo: Obi and Atiku
By Daniel Kanu
The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has called on leading opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to unite under its platform in what it described as a last-minute effort to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy ahead of future elections.
The appeal comes amid deepening internal crises within major opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), raising concerns about the ability of opposition forces to present a formidable challenge in upcoming electoral contests.
The development follows a recent position taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which announced that it would not engage with any faction of the ADC pending the resolution of its leadership dispute in court.
The commission, through its National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, cited a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal as the basis for its decision, stating that INEC would refrain from recognising factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Gombe until the substantive matter before the Federal High Court is determined.
Reacting to the situation, PRP leaders warned that the lingering crisis within opposition parties could weaken democratic institutions and limit electoral choices for Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Lagos State Chairman of PRP, James Adeshina, described the ADC’s leadership tussle as a significant threat to opposition unity.
He noted that at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and governance concerns, a fragmented opposition would be unable to provide credible alternatives.
Adeshina urged key political actors across party lines to set aside differences and rally under a common platform, stressing that PRP offers stability and ideological consistency.
“At a time when the nation urgently needs a strong and united front, internal crises such as the one in ADC only weaken the collective capacity of opposition forces,” he said.
“This is a wake-up call for leaders to rise above party loyalties and embrace a broader national agenda.”
He extended a direct invitation not only to Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso, but also to other prominent figures such as Rauf Aregbesola and stakeholders across opposition parties, urging them to consider PRP as a viable political home.
According to him, joining PRP does not amount to abandoning political ideals but rather preserving them within a more stable structure capable of contesting power effectively.
“History will not remember the parties we defended; it will remember the country we saved,” he stated.
Adeshina further highlighted PRP’s legacy, describing it as Nigeria’s oldest surviving political party with over four decades of ideological consistency rooted in social justice and pro-people policies.
Founded in 1978 and associated with the late nationalist leader, Aminu Kano, the party has historically positioned itself as a platform for progressive politics.
Political analysts say the PRP’s call reflects growing anxiety within opposition circles over fragmentation and legal disputes that could undermine their chances in future elections, particularly as the ruling party continues to consolidate its hold on power.
They note that while calls for opposition unity have intensified in recent months, achieving a merger or coordinated front remains a complex task due to ideological differences, personal ambitions and ongoing legal battles within party structures.
As the political landscape evolves, attention is expected to focus on whether key opposition figures will heed the PRP’s call or pursue alternative strategies to reposition their parties ahead of the next general election cycle.
