The Abuja coordinator of the Obi Kwankwaso Movement, Mallam Jabir Ibrahim Yaro, has outlined reasons behind the decision of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to leave the African Democratic Congress, citing internal party disputes, alleged external interference, and strategic political considerations.
Speaking during an interview, Yaro maintained that opposition parties in Nigeria are currently facing significant challenges.
“First of all, as you know, in Nigeria, opposition parties are actually in trouble or in danger because of the current administration, because there is no single opposition party, as it is now, that is clean and without any internal crisis.”
He further alleged that influential forces are responsible for the instability affecting opposition platforms.
“And we all know the people behind all the crises in the opposition parties, including the ADC.”
Yaro also linked Obi’s exit to recent judicial developments, particularly a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which he described as problematic.
“Secondly, if you look at the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, you should know that it is a trap. This is my personal opinion. I’m not a barrister, but it is a trap because the Supreme Court referred the case back to the Federal High Court.”
He expressed concerns about the credibility of the lower court system, making further allegations.
“And you know who is in charge of the High Court. You know what has been happening in our judiciary in this country.”
When asked to clarify, Yaro alleged external influence over the courts.
“Actually, a minister is allegedly controlling the High Court.”
He also cited alleged benefits extended to members of the judiciary.
“Recently, they built houses for them in the FCT, they gave them land, you know, they bought cars for them and the rest.”
“So there is no way you should be expecting something positive to come out of the Federal High Court when people like them are in charge.”
According to him, internal disagreements within the ADC further contributed to the decision to leave the party.
“Then, secondly, there are internal crises in the ADC. From the very first day of this coalition, they made it very clear that everything would be transparent.”
“They said there would be direct primaries, that there would be transparent primaries or consensus.”
He, however, claimed that those commitments were not upheld.
“But as we are going, we have learned that there is an individual who is trying to hijack the party and stop everyone from expressing their own interests.”
Yaro emphasized that Obi and his supporters are focused on contesting the presidency rather than accepting a secondary role.
“We are not ready to settle for any vice presidential position. We are going to contest for the presidency.”
He rejected suggestions that this position reflects personal ambition.
“It is not selfish.”
Highlighting the strength of Obi’s political base, Yaro added:
“You know that in 2023, many people died because of Peter Obi. They died because of his ambition.”
“Many people are in politics because of him.”
He also addressed the issue of regional power rotation within the country.
“It is the turn of Southern Nigeria. Let them complete their tenure.”
Criticizing another aspirant within the coalition, he said:
“Every election cycle, the same man who is trying to get the ADC ticket is the one insisting that he must get that ticket.”
“If so, he cannot win an election. Why must it always be him? Why can’t he support these people?”
Yaro also downplayed the relevance of the vice presidential role in Nigeria’s political system.
“We all know the VP is just a ceremonial position in this country.”
“Look at what is happening now. It is just ceremonial.”
“And up till now, since Tinubu became president, they have never handed over this country to the vice president.”
Following their exit from the ADC, both Obi and Kwankwaso have joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, with indications suggesting they may contest the 2027 presidential election on a joint ticket.
