The Abuja coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, Mallam Jabir Ibrahim Yaro, has explained the reasons behind the exit of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal party crises, alleged external interference, and strategic political considerations.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Metrotimesnigeria, Yaro said opposition parties in Nigeria are currently facing serious challenges.
“First of all, opposition parties in Nigeria are in danger because there is no single one without internal crisis,” he stated.
He further alleged that powerful forces are responsible for the instability within these parties.
Yaro also linked Obi’s decision to recent legal developments, particularly a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which he described as risky.
“In my opinion, the judgment is a trap because the case was referred back to the Federal High Court,” he said, expressing distrust in the lower court system.
He went on to allege that a government official is influencing the judiciary, claiming judges have been given benefits such as housing, land, and vehicles.
According to him, internal issues within the ADC also played a major role in the defection.
“They promised transparent primaries or consensus from the beginning, but that has not been upheld. There are signs that one individual is trying to hijack the party,” he added.
Yaro insisted that Obi and his supporters are focused on contesting for the presidency rather than accepting a vice-presidential role.
“We are not ready to settle for vice president. We are going for the presidency,” he said, dismissing claims that the stance is selfish.
He also highlighted the strength of Obi’s grassroots support, noting that many people became politically active because of him.
On regional power dynamics, Yaro argued that it is still the turn of Southern Nigeria to produce the president.
He criticised an unnamed aspirant within the coalition, accusing him of always insisting on securing the presidential ticket.
On the role of vice president, Yaro described it as largely ceremonial in Nigeria’s political system.
Recall that Peter Obi recently resigned from the ADC and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso following shortly after.
Both politicians are now widely expected to run on a joint ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
