The Peoples Redemption Party has confirmed that it has initiated discussions with another opposition party, the African Democratic Congress, on a potential merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The National Chairman of the PRP, Falalu Bello, disclosed this at a joint conference with his ADC counterpart, Ralph Nwosu, in Abuja on Friday.
The move comes three days after the ruling All Progressives Congress warned that no merger of the opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, can unseat President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The APC was reacting to the statement made by Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, that both his principal and his Labour Party counterpart had learnt their lessons in the last general election and would unite to kick out the ruling party from office.
Similarly, some opposition political parties under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties and the Social Democratic Party have also expressed readiness for talks of a possible alliance, saying the country needs more than just a coalition of only Atiku and Obi.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Bello confirmed that they have already initiated talks with the leadership of ADC to begin the process of rescuing the country from the grasp of the ruling party.
He said, “Yes, we have begun talks. We are not afraid of mergers at all. Let us look at the electoral history. The PRP is the oldest political party today. We formed the government in Kaduna in 1979 because of a political alliance with the UPN, NPP, and PNP joined today to win the election in the state.
“If other parties want to join us, then are welcome. The doors are open for even individuals, not only political parties. But if they prefer joining a party that is anti-people and talks only about money politics, go to the PDP and APC. That is what they stand for. They are two sides of a coin.
“So we are saying that we are tired and want something fresh. And if that requires me or the ADC chairman to step down, so be it. This country is more important than all of us. The PRP constitution represents the principle and ideology we stand for.”
Nwosu also said the need to come together was further boosted by the discovery that they share the same ideology.
The ADC chair stated that with the current hardship rocking the country, there was no need to be told that the masses are tired and need an air of fresh breath.
“A coalition and alliance which will eventually lead to a possible merger is ongoing between the PRP and the ADC. Why are we doing this? It is to build a politically driven ideology and clear vision of where we are going. It should not been seen as a molue (popular Lagos commercial shuttle) or a special purpose vehicle to contest elections.
“Nigerians are tired. After 25 years of these political struggles, it is high time we built something that will last. We will be failing (in our duty) if we are unable to come together and leave parties that will become a legacy for the future. The door is open to any politician in Nigeria who shares.
“This alliance talk was initiated by our parties, not by people who are seeking office. These are political party leaders who feel ‘enough is enough’ in this country and want to move on. Eventually, people who are running for office will have to come in knowing we have some principles they must adhere to. Our concerns about democracy are very clear,” he added.