By Seyi Odewale
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) North-West Stakeholders Forum has accused former Kano State Governor and 2027 vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of attempting to influence the nomination processes of several political parties ahead of future elections.
The forum alleged that nomination forms for all 69 elective positions under the PRP had been purchased by an individual who is not a member of the party, raising concerns over what it described as attempts to undermine internal party democracy.
Chairman of the forum, Abdullahi Musa Giza, made the allegation at a press conference in Kano, claiming that similar actions had occurred in more than seven political parties.
According to him, reports linking Kwankwaso to the exercise have generated anxiety among party stakeholders who fear that genuine members could be denied the opportunity to contest elections on their preferred platforms.
“We are concerned by reports linking Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the purchase of nomination tickets across several political parties. Such actions, if true, pose a serious threat to democratic principles and the independence of political parties,” Giza said.
He questioned the rationale behind an alleged attempt to influence the nomination processes of multiple political parties, warning that such actions could distort the electoral process and fuel internal crises.
The PRP chieftain described the development as “political robbery,” arguing that it could create confusion, disputes and instability within affected parties if left unchecked.
“This is political robbery. It is capable of creating confusion, disputes and disorder in the electoral process if not checked,” he stated.
Giza insisted that the PRP remains committed to transparency and democratic participation and would resist any attempt to compromise its internal processes.
“The PRP is founded on democratic values. We will not tolerate any attempt to hijack our structures or deny loyal party members the opportunity to contest elections,” he said.
He maintained that many committed party members were already preparing for future electoral contests and deserved a fair and credible nomination process.
The forum also appealed to Kwankwaso to allow political parties to operate independently and to avoid actions that could generate unnecessary political tension.
Giza warned that the stakeholders would seek judicial intervention if the alleged interference persists.
“If these actions continue, we will have no option but to seek legal redress to protect the integrity of our party and the rights of our members,” he said.
The PRP forum said safeguarding internal democracy within political parties remains essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system and ensuring credible elections.
Efforts to obtain a response from Kwankwaso or representatives of the NDC were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
