PRP presidential hopeful disagrees with party chairman's call for Tinubu to step down

A presidential hopeful of the Peoples Redemption Party for the 2027 elections, Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley, has separated himself from the party’s National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. This follows Baba-Ahmed’s call for President Bola Tinubu to resign due to the country’s growing insecurity.

Kingsley made this clear in a statement he signed and shared with journalists in Abuja on Sunday. He said he does not support calls for the President’s resignation. He believes Nigeria’s democracy has proper processes for changing leadership.

The statement, titled “A Message of Hope to the Nigerian People: Nigeria Shall Rise Again,” asked Nigerians to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and getting ready for the 2027 general elections.

“I do not support calls for the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria’s democracy provides constitutional processes for leadership transition, and our focus should be on strengthening our institutions and preparing for the 2027 General Elections,” Kingsley said.

Kingsley, who is challenging the results of the party’s presidential primary held on May 25, said the nation’s issues need visionary leadership instead of unlawful actions. He pointed out the ongoing economic struggles and insecurity across Nigeria, stating that many Nigerians are finding it hard to survive.

“Across every region of our country, millions of our fellow citizens are experiencing unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and uncertainty about the future.

“Families struggle daily to afford basic necessities. Businesses are closing under the pressure of rising operating costs. Farmers cannot safely cultivate many of our fertile lands because of insecurity. Young graduates continue to search for meaningful employment despite possessing enormous talents and aspirations,” he said.

Kingsley shared how his humble beginnings and work experience have shaped his vision for Nigeria’s development.

“As one who was born into a humble family in Auchi, Edo State, I understand hardship. Before attending school, I hawked pap to support my family. Those experiences shaped my lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

He also mentioned that his 25 years at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation gave him the skills needed to tackle Nigeria’s development issues.

“My professional journey took me through engineering and twenty-five years of distinguished service at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. I contributed to petroleum infrastructure, engineering projects, pipeline systems, refinery improvement initiatives, and strategic national planning.

“Those experiences convinced me that Nigeria’s greatest challenge has never been a shortage of resources but the need for visionary leadership, institutional discipline, and consistent implementation,” he stated.

Kingsley expressed sympathy for victims of insecurity and economic hardship. He said his proposed YMK Nigeria Project offers real solutions to the nation’s problems.

“I mourn with families that have lost loved ones through insecurity and sympathise with workers, entrepreneurs, and young Nigerians facing economic hardship,” he said.

He added, “Through the YMK Nigeria Project, I offer practical solutions centred on national security, electricity, industrialisation, hydrocarbon development, agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure, transparent governance, and economic diversification.

“Nigeria possesses the people, the resources, and the potential to become one of the world’s leading economies. Together, through competent leadership and responsible citizenship, we can build a secure, prosperous, industrialised, and globally respected nation.”

Kingsley’s statements came shortly after the PRP National Chairman, Baba-Ahmed, called for President Tinubu to resign. Baba-Ahmed argued that the security situation under the current administration has worsened significantly.

Recall that on Thursday, the National Chairman of the PRP, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said that the security situation under Tinubu’s administration has worsened to alarming levels, with violent criminals operating freely in various parts of the country.