Obi’s Exit Pushes Igbo Presidency Ambition Back 20 Years — ADC Chieftain

Hon. Kasimu Maigari of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has claimed that the political trajectory of Peter Obi has significantly delayed the Igbo presidency ambition, warning that the Southeast’s chances of producing Nigeria’s president have been pushed back by “about 20 years.”

Speaking on ARISE News, Maigari said his concern goes beyond electoral victory, focusing instead on the long-term political consequences of Obi’s movement on the Southeast’s quest for power at the centre.

According to him, despite Obi’s strong performance in the 2023 elections and his popularity among young voters, the movement has not translated into a unified or sustainable political structure capable of delivering the presidency for the region. He argued that the current direction of Obi’s politics may have weakened the region’s collective bargaining strength ahead of the 2027 elections.

“My worry is not if Peter Obi will win the presidency; my worry is that he has pushed the Igbos 20 years backwards,” Maigari said.

The ADC chieftain further alleged that a significant number of Obi’s supporters are motivated by personal political ambitions rather than a shared ideological goal. He claimed many are positioning themselves to secure elective offices—including state assembly, House of Representatives, and governorship seats—by leveraging Obi’s popularity.

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Maigari also linked this trend to broader opposition dynamics, noting that politicians are aligning themselves with influential figures like Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to boost their electoral chances. However, he insisted that such alignments are driven more by strategy than genuine commitment to reform.

He expressed doubt about Obi’s chances in the 2027 presidential race, stating that prevailing political realities make his victory unlikely. Despite this, Maigari said the ADC remains strategically positioned and internally stable, preparing to capitalise on shifting alliances across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Interestingly, he suggested that Obi’s continued influence in key regions could indirectly benefit the ADC by reshaping voting patterns in areas previously dominated by the ruling party under Bola Tinubu.

Political analysts say the comments highlight growing divisions within Nigeria’s opposition, as parties begin early manoeuvring ahead of 2027. While Obi retains a loyal grassroots base, especially among urban youths, questions remain about coalition-building, party structure, and national spread—key factors in winning a presidential election.

The development has also reignited debate around zoning in Nigeria, with many stakeholders insisting that the Southeast deserves a fair shot at the presidency after decades of exclusion.

As the road to 2027 gathers momentum, the future of the Southeast presidency bid may depend on unity among regional leaders, strategic alliances, and the ability to convert popular support into electoral success.

Obi’s Exit Pushes Igbo Presidency Ambition Back 20 Years — ADC Chieftain

Crisis Rocks NDC in Kano as Leadership Opposes Kwankwaso Takeover

A fresh political dispute has erupted within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, following strong resistance by the party’s state leadership to alleged plans to transfer control of its structure to former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The Kano State chairman of the party, Usaini Isa Mai Riga, disclosed that negotiations aimed at integrating Kwankwaso into the party had collapsed after two meetings failed to resolve disagreements over leadership control.

According to Mai Riga, the talks broke down over what he described as Kwankwaso’s insistence on taking full control of the party structure in the state—a demand he said was unacceptable to existing members who built the party from the ground up.

“He wants us to hand over the entire party to him, despite the sacrifices we made when the party had little or no presence,” the chairman said, stressing that the current leadership would not relinquish control.

He maintained that the state executives would resist any attempt to displace them, adding that they are prepared to explore all lawful means to protect their positions and preserve internal party democracy.

“This will not happen. We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that the party structure is not hijacked,” he added.

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Mai Riga also alleged that the party’s national leadership intervened by suspending a planned state congress in Kano shortly after Kwankwaso’s entry into the NDC. He claimed the move was designed to create room for a possible restructuring of the party in favour of the former governor.

“We were instructed not to hold the congress because of plans to hand over the structure. That is why I am not at the venue today. We will not allow the rights of our members to be trampled upon,” he said.

The dispute marks the first open pushback from the Kano chapter of the party since Kwankwaso—leader of the influential Kwankwasiyya movement—joined the NDC, a development that had initially been seen as a major boost to the party’s northern strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources within the party say the standoff reflects broader internal tensions as the NDC attempts to accommodate high-profile defectors while balancing the interests of existing stakeholders. While Kwankwaso brings a strong political base and grassroots following, especially in Kano, his entry appears to have unsettled established party structures.

Kwankwaso was reported to have arrived in Kano on Monday for consultations with allies on party strategy and structure ahead of 2027. However, Mai Riga noted that the former governor had yet to formally engage with the state leadership, further complicating reconciliation efforts.

Political observers warn that the crisis could weaken the NDC’s cohesion in Kano if not quickly resolved, particularly given the state’s strategic importance in national elections.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a response from Kwankwaso or his aides were unsuccessful, leaving the party’s next move uncertain as internal negotiations continue.

Crisis Rocks NDC in Kano as Leadership Opposes Kwankwaso Takeover

Rivers 2027: Wike’s Endorsement of George Kelly Sparks Political Tension

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has officially backed Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly as his preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election 2027, a move already reshaping the state’s political landscape.

The endorsement places George Kelly, a former Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, at the centre of early succession politics, with strong indications that he may contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The development reflects shifting alliances and signals a broader realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

George Kelly is widely regarded as a seasoned technocrat, having overseen key infrastructure projects during Wike’s tenure as governor. His emergence is seen as a blend of administrative experience and political loyalty, qualities that insiders say influenced Wike’s decision.

Sources revealed that the endorsement followed a closed-door strategy meeting held in Port Harcourt, where key stakeholders gathered to map out the political future of the state. The meeting reportedly drew influential figures, including Asari Dokubo and Ateke Tom, highlighting efforts to secure grassroots and regional support for the project.

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The move is widely interpreted as a calculated strategy by Wike to maintain political influence in Rivers State while operating from Abuja. Known for his strong grip on the state’s political structure, Wike’s endorsement is expected to significantly boost George Kelly’s prospects.

For George Kelly, this represents a second shot at the governorship after finishing as runner-up in the 2022 primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he lost to the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara. His longstanding relationship with Wike and familiarity with the political machinery position him as a formidable contender.

The development is also likely to intensify political tensions in the state, particularly amid the ongoing rivalry between Wike and Governor Fubara. Analysts believe the endorsement could trigger fresh alignments across party lines, setting the stage for a highly competitive and closely watched election.

With the 2027 race gradually taking shape, the spotlight now shifts to how other aspirants, political parties, and voters in Rivers State will respond to this early but significant move.

Rivers 2027: Wike’s Endorsement of George Kelly Sparks Political Tension