PRP Vice Chairman Resigns, Says Party Has Become Northern Regional Platform

Fresh cracks have emerged within the Peoples Redemption Party ahead of the 2027 general elections following the resignation of the party’s National Vice Chairman (South West), Wolimoh Olajide Epe, who accused the party of lacking national relevance and pursuing a regional agenda.

Epe announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, stating that the decision took immediate effect. In the letter, he said he arrived at the decision after extensive consultations with his supporters, political leaders and trusted allies. He expressed appreciation for the opportunities he had to serve the PRP in various capacities, including as a committee member, National Youth Leader and, most recently, National Vice Chairman (South West).

However, Epe said many of his supporters had become increasingly convinced that the PRP lacked the ambition, seriousness and political direction required to emerge as a credible national platform capable of providing meaningful leadership for Nigeria. According to him, the party has gradually become “a platform for political discussions rather than active participation in national politics and governance.”

He further alleged that the PRP had failed to develop into a truly national political movement, arguing that it is widely perceived as a northern-based political party. He claimed that members from other parts of the country often feel like symbolic participants rather than equal stakeholders in the party’s affairs.

Epe also alleged that the office of the national chairman is effectively reserved for the northern region, leaving little opportunity for members from other geopolitical zones to aspire to the position. According to him, such an arrangement undermines inclusiveness and weakens the party’s national appeal. He added that the PRP had missed several opportunities to expand its political base and build a stronger national identity capable of attracting support across the country.

Announcing his exit, Epe disclosed that he would pursue his political ambition on another platform, adding that his next political destination would be unveiled in due course. Despite his criticisms, he wished the party well and urged its leadership to reflect on the concerns raised in his resignation letter.

“I sincerely hope the leadership of the PRP will reflect on these observations and take the necessary steps to reposition the party for greater national relevance and inclusiveness,” he wrote.

However, neither the National Chairman of the PRP, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, nor the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Donald Duke, had responded to the resignation or the allegations contained in the letter as of the time of this report.

The resignation came amid growing political realignments and coalition discussions among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The PRP, established in 1978 and reregistered in 1998, has historically been associated with the progressive political tradition in Nigeria, though it has struggled to maintain significant electoral relevance in recent cycles. The party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Kola Abiola, polled 74,996 votes, representing approximately 0.16 per cent of the total votes cast.