The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has declared that it will field a presidential candidate based on competence and capacity, regardless of the candidate’s zone, religion, or ethnic background. In a strong statement during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, the party’s National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, emphasized that zoning should not be a determining factor in selecting Nigeria’s next leader. He argued that the country’s development should not be hindered by regional or ethnic considerations, especially when it comes to choosing a president.
Baba-Ahmed stated that the PRP is committed to fielding a candidate who possesses the necessary skills and vision to lead Nigeria effectively. He stressed that the party’s priority is national interest over sectional interests. “Fielding a candidate from a particular zone is not important,” he said. “I believe that it doesn’t matter where the candidate is coming from.”
He further criticized the practice of insisting that the president must come from a specific part of the country, calling it a major factor in Nigeria’s current challenges. “Insisting that the president must come from one part of the country has damaged this country beyond anything you can imagine,” Baba-Ahmed remarked. He pointed to the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as an example of how a leader from the North could still deliver poor governance. “Look, we lived for eight years under a very inept, incompetent, and indifferent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. He was from the north,” he added.
The PRP’s stance reflects a growing call within Nigerian politics for merit-based leadership rather than regionally driven appointments. Baba-Ahmed’s comments come at a time when the 2027 presidential election is beginning to take shape, with parties and political actors positioning themselves for the race. His remarks also highlight the party’s desire to present itself as a progressive, inclusive force in the nation’s political landscape.
By rejecting zoning and focusing on competence, the PRP aims to appeal to a broad cross-section of Nigerians who are tired of political divisions. The party’s approach could influence how other parties approach candidate selection in the coming years. As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, and governance issues, the PRP’s emphasis on capable leadership may resonate with voters seeking real change.
With the next general election approaching, the PRP’s decision to prioritize merit over geography sets it apart from some of its counterparts. This stance could shape the party’s campaign strategy and public perception in the months ahead. The coming election season may see more parties re-evaluating their candidate selection processes in light of growing public demand for effective leadership.
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