PRP, ADC Begin Merger Talks Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has confirmed ongoing discussions with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on a potential merger as part of efforts to bolster opposition strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Chairman of PRP, Falalu Bello, made this disclosure during a joint press conference with his ADC counterpart, Ralphs Nwosu, in Abuja on Friday.

The announcement comes just days after the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the prospect of any opposition merger, including figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, as being capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

In a statement earlier this week, the APC reacted to remarks by Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, who suggested that his principal and Labour Party’s Obi had learned their lessons from the 2023 elections and were prepared to unite in defeating the ruling party.

Further emphasizing the push for a united front, parties under the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have also expressed openness to alliances, arguing that broader coalitions beyond Atiku and Obi are required to address Nigeria’s political challenges.

Speaking at Friday’s press conference, PRP’s Bello 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, who joined today to win the election in the state.

“If other parties want to join us, then they 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 principles and ideology we stand for.”