Obi, Kwankwaso Exit ADC Over Alleged Judicial Trap and Gifts to Judges

Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have officially exited the African Democratic Congress (ADC), joining the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in a move that signals a major shift in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race. The Abuja coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, Mallam Jabir Ibrahim Yaro, has revealed the reasons behind the split, citing internal party crises, alleged judicial manipulation, and strategic political decisions. He emphasized that opposition parties in Nigeria are currently under immense pressure due to external interference and internal divisions, making it difficult for any coalition to remain stable.

Yaro told DAILY POST that the ADC failed to uphold its promises of transparency and direct primaries, which were central to the coalition’s formation. He accused an unnamed individual within the party of attempting to hijack leadership and suppress dissent, undermining the movement’s democratic principles. According to him, the failure to deliver on these foundational commitments was a key factor in Obi’s decision to leave.

He also raised concerns about the recent Supreme Court ruling that sent a case back to the Federal High Court, calling it a “trap.” Yaro expressed deep skepticism about the lower judiciary, alleging that a minister is effectively in charge of the Federal High Court. He pointed to recent benefits given to judges—such as houses, land, and cars in the FCT—as evidence of undue influence. “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,” he stated.

Yaro stressed that Obi and his supporters are not seeking a vice-presidential role but are determined to contest for the presidency. “We are not ready to settle for any vice-presidential position. We are going to contest for the presidency,” he declared. He dismissed claims that this ambition is selfish, highlighting the grassroots support Obi has built since 2023, when he mobilized thousands of Nigerians, some of whom lost their lives in the pursuit of his political goals.

He also spoke about regional equity, arguing that it is now the turn of Southern Nigeria to lead. “Let them complete their tenure,” he said, criticizing another unnamed aspirant within the ADC who has repeatedly sought the party’s ticket. Yaro questioned the candidate’s ability to win if he continues to prioritize personal ambition over collective support.

On the role of the vice president, Yaro downplayed its significance, noting that it has become largely ceremonial in Nigeria. He pointed out that since President Bola Tinubu took office, the vice president has not been given any real executive power. Obi’s resignation from the ADC came on Sunday, followed shortly by Kwankwaso’s exit. Both are expected to run under a joint ticket in the 2027 general election, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s opposition politics.