A former presidential hopeful, Adamu Garba, has described the recent political moves by former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as a series of activities that will ultimately fail to produce a strong movement, equating them to political suicide. This statement follows Obi's announcement of his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party he joined only a few months ago. Kwankwaso is also expected to exit the ADC, which was chosen by a coalition of opposition figures.
Garba's Criticism of Obi and Kwankwaso
Reacting to these developments, Garba asserted that Obi has not resolved his fundamental issues with major stakeholders and is operating as a one-man show. Meanwhile, Kwankwaso remains a person of particular interest to the United States Government. Garba warned that these factors could consume their energies and damage relationships with foreign partner stakeholders of Nigeria.
According to Garba, President Bola Tinubu would be more comfortable facing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar than either Obi or Kwankwaso, due to a possible political understanding between the two. He added that Atiku would be a more preferable opponent for Tinubu because of their similar level of mindset.
International Perspectives
Garba emphasized that international partners prioritize political pragmatism, maturity, and stability in leadership, rather than emotive or overly ambitious desires disguised as common sense or humility. He noted that Nigeria's huge strategic gas reserves make the country a keen interest for all major global players, particularly the United States.
According to Garba, international partners would prefer a Tinubu continuity or an Atiku presidency because pragmatism and stability are key. He described Obi and Kwankwaso as possible distractions: Obi for one region in the south and Kwankwaso for half a state in the north, for both Tinubu and Atiku, respectively.
Garba concluded by suggesting that the 2023 election scenario might repeat itself, with Tinubu versus Atiku as the two most important refined democrats in Nigeria alive today.
