Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
Speaking during the South West Regional Meeting of the party, the National Vice Chairman (South West), Comrade Olajide Wolimoh, said the gathering marked a defining moment in the party’s determination to reposition itself as a dependable platform for responsible leadership and genuine transformation.
Wolimoh said the PRP, founded in 1978, remains Nigeria’s oldest surviving political party, attributing its longevity to its ideological foundation rooted in social justice, equality, accountability, and people-centered governance.
According to him, the PRP remains committed to improving education, healthcare, agriculture, industrialization, youth empowerment, women inclusion, and infrastructural development across the country.
“The People’s Redemption Party is called the Talakawa Party because we are the only party that puts the people before politics and governance. The electorate must be okay before we talk about those in power,” he said.
He emphasized that the South West has historically been known for progressive politics, democratic values, and intellectual advancement, but lamented that the region is currently battling economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and declining public trust in governance.
Wolimoh therefore urged the people of the South West to see the PRP as a movement for genuine transformation rather than just another political party.
Addressing party aspirants, he charged them to distinguish themselves through discipline, humility, political maturity, and commitment to issue-based politics.
“Our politics must be people-focused and development-driven. We must show Nigerians that PRP aspirants are prepared to lead with integrity, competence, vision, and compassion,” he stated.
On coalition talks, the PRP chieftain said the party is open to alliances with political groups that share its ideology and are willing to reject money politics.
“If another party shares our ideology and is ready to reject money politics, then why not? But we cannot become a party without standards,” he added.
He also dismissed claims that the PRP intends to play a spoiler role in future elections, insisting the party is focused on offering Nigerians a credible alternative.
Wolimoh pointed out that the party’s affordability of nomination forms reflects its ideological commitment to inclusiveness, unlike other parties that impose exorbitant fees on aspirants.
Citing the administration of late Kano State Governor Abubakar Rimi, he noted that the recognition of Workers’ Day as a public holiday in Kano in 1980 later influenced its adoption nationwide.
Speaking on the party’s national outlook, he recalled that Kola Abiola, a Yoruba man, emerged as the party’s presidential candidate in the last election after defeating northern contenders, stressing that the PRP is not a regional political party.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former National Secretary, Comrade Babatunde Francis Ali of Ondo State, saying the party remains inclusive and ideologically driven.
The PRP leader appealed to members, stakeholders, and supporters to contribute financially toward strengthening party structures across the South West in preparation for the 2027 elections.
He further called on youths, women, artisans, professionals, market leaders, and students to join the party, expressing confidence that victory is achievable through unity, sacrifice, and strategic planning.
Wolimoh equally appreciated members of the media for their role in sustaining democracy and appealed for fair and professional coverage of the party’s activities.
He expressed optimism that the PRP would continue to attract more supporters across the South West as Nigerians increasingly seek alternatives to the dominant political parties
