PRP Rift Deepens as Presidential Aspirant Breaks Ranks, Rejects Chairman’s Call for Tinubu’s Resignation

PRP was thrust into the spotlight on Sunday after one of its presidential aspirants publicly distanced himself from the party chairman’s demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu resign over worsening insecurity. The disagreement has exposed fresh divisions within the opposition party while raising broader questions about how political parties intend to challenge the administration ahead of the 2027 general elections. As the debate intensifies, the contrasting positions have added another layer of intrigue to Nigeria’s already heated political landscape.

Division Within The Political Aspirants

Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley, a presidential aspirant of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), rejected National Chairman Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed’s earlier call for President Tinubu to step down, arguing that Nigeria’s democratic system already provides constitutional mechanisms for leadership change through elections rather than resignation. In a statement titled A Message of Hope to the Nigerian People: Nigeria Shall Rise Again, Kingsley maintained that despite widespread economic hardship and insecurity, political actors should focus on strengthening democratic institutions and preparing for the 2027 polls rather than advocating what he considers an unnecessary constitutional shortcut.

The aspirant acknowledged the severity of Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, sympathising with citizens affected by inflation, unemployment and violent attacks across the country. However, he argued that his proposed YMK Nigeria Project offers policy alternatives centred on security reform, industrialisation, agriculture, infrastructure, transparent governance and economic diversification. Kingsley also remains involved in a legal challenge against the outcome of the PRP presidential primary that produced Donald Duke as the party’s presidential candidate, underscoring that internal party disputes continue alongside its public disagreements over national issues.

Context Based On Growing Security Concerns

The disagreement follows growing political pressure over Nigeria’s security situation, with several opposition figures and parties increasing criticism of the Tinubu administration in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the PRP leadership accused the Federal Government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, citing escalating attacks by armed groups as justification for its demand that the President resign. The Presidency has consistently rejected similar calls, insisting that Nigeria operates a presidential system with fixed constitutional terms and that any change in leadership should come through elections rather than political pressure.

The contrasting positions within the PRP illustrate the strategic dilemma facing opposition parties ahead of 2027. While some believe stronger rhetoric is necessary to hold the government accountable, others argue that sustained policy engagement and electoral competition remain the more credible democratic path. Political analysts note that internal disagreements are not uncommon during pre-election periods, particularly as parties seek to balance public criticism of the government with efforts to project unity and present viable alternatives to voters.

As the PRP navigates competing visions within its ranks, the episode is likely to fuel further debate over opposition strategy and leadership ahead of the next general election. Whether the party can reconcile these differences while presenting a unified front may become one of the factors shaping its relevance in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political landscape. OGM News Nigeria will continue to monitor developments, including the party’s internal legal disputes and any official response from its national leadership.