‘Let us come together’, PRP urges Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso to unite on its platform after ADC crisis

The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has called on key figures within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to come together under its platform to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

The appeal follows the leadership crisis within the ADC, which led to the derecognition of both the David Mark-led leadership and the Nafiu Bala Gombe faction by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s commissioner for information and voter education, said the commission would not engage with either faction, citing the March 12 judgement of the court of appeal. INEC added that it would not attend meetings, congresses or conventions of the groups pending the outcome of a case before the federal high court.

Reacting on Thursday, James Adeshina, chairman of PRP in Lagos, described the ADC leadership crisis as a major threat to opposition unity.

“At a time when the nation urgently needs a strong and united front to safeguard democracy, internal crises like the one in ADC only weaken the collective ability of opposition forces to provide credible alternatives,” Adeshina said.

“The consequences are far-reaching: it creates room for unchecked dominance and fuels the growing fear of Nigeria sliding toward a one-party state.”

He noted that with both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ADC facing internal challenges that could affect their electoral ambitions, the PRP stands as a stable alternative without internal conflicts.

Adeshina said the current political climate requires bold action from leaders, urging stakeholders to rethink their strategies and work together rather than compete.

“I, therefore, extend a sincere invitation to key figures and stakeholders within ADC and beyond, leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and others, to approach PRP,” he said.

He added that emerging voices within the ADC should consider aligning with a more stable and historically rooted platform like the PRP.

“The contrast is clear. While ADC is currently grappling with internal instability, PRP remains the oldest political party in Nigeria with a consistent legacy of discipline, unity, and ideological focus,” he said.

Adeshina emphasised that the ongoing crisis should serve as a wake-up call for political leaders to prioritise national interest over party loyalty.

“To the leaders affected, this is not about abandoning your ideals—it is about preserving them in a more viable structure,” Adeshina said.

“It is about ensuring that your vision for Nigeria does not get lost in internal conflicts or political fragmentation.

“History will not remember the parties we defended—it will remember the country we saved.

“The time to act is now. The opportunity to unite is here. And the platform that offers stability, legacy, and direction remains the PRP. Let us come together—before it is too late.”

He reiterated the party’s long-standing legacy and ideological consistency, encouraging opposition leaders to consider the PRP as a viable platform.

“We encourage opposition leaders to rescue Nigeria by joining PRP, a party existing for 47 years with strong ideology and unity,” he said.

Adeshina also expressed confidence in the party’s chances in future elections, stating that the PRP has the potential to win the 2027 presidential election and the Lagos state governorship if opposition forces unite under its platform.