PRP names Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as National Chairman ahead of 2027 elections

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has appointed Hakeem Baba-Ahmed as its new National Chairman, signaling a strategic repositioning of the party ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The decision was announced after the party’s National Convention in Abuja, where Baba-Ahmed formally succeeded Falalu Bello. The leadership change comes as the PRP intensifies efforts to emerge as a credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

A former Permanent Secretary and political adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Baba-Ahmed brings decades of public service experience to the role. Analysts say his emergence reflects a broader attempt to consolidate influence, particularly in northern Nigeria, while reviving the PRP’s traditional “talakawa” (pro-people) ideology rooted in the legacy of Aminu Kano.

In his acceptance speech, Baba-Ahmed called for renewed political engagement and outlined a reform-driven agenda.

“The PRP is committed to offering Nigerians a credible alternative built on competence, accountability, and the welfare of the people,” he said, urging citizens to remain actively involved in the democratic process.

The new chairman’s appointment has also drawn attention due to his relationship with Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections alongside Peter Obi.

While both brothers are active in politics, they operate within different party structures. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has publicly welcomed the development, expressing confidence in the PRP’s ability to play a significant role in the next electoral cycle.

The leadership shake-up comes amid ongoing realignments across Nigeria’s political landscape. Recent defections and shifting alliances—including Obi’s reported move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—have heightened competition among opposition parties.

With a new National Working Committee in place, including National Secretary Sunny Kanu, the PRP says it will focus on grassroots mobilization, membership expansion, and strengthening its national presence.

Party officials believe the renewed leadership structure positions the PRP to mount a stronger challenge in 2027.