Hon. Kasimu Maigari, a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legislators' Forum, has declared that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has significantly set back the South East's ambition to produce Nigeria's president. In an interview on ARISE News on Monday night, May 4, 2026, Maigari asserted that Obi's political trajectory has inflicted more harm than good on the regional aspiration.
Obi's Impact on Igbo Presidency
Maigari stated, "My worry is not if Peter Obi will win the presidency; my worry is that Peter Obi has pushed Igbo's 20 years backwards from getting the Presidency." He argued that Obi's political movement has failed to advance the Igbo presidency project, describing it as a major setback instead of a step forward. According to Maigari, Obi's actions have inadvertently prolonged the region's wait for the nation's top office.
Criticism of Obi and Kwankwaso's Followers
Maigari criticized the motivations of those surrounding Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, suggesting they are driven by personal ambition rather than ideological commitment. He said, "The only people who follow Obi and Kwankwaso are those who think they will rise on their backs to get elected and then defect and leave them." Maigari alleged that a vast majority of Obi's supporters are primarily interested in using his popularity to secure elective positions such as state assembly seats or governorship tickets.
- Personal Ambition: Maigari claimed that 99 per cent of those running around Peter Obi have ambitions to run for state assembly, House of Representatives, or governor.
- Ease of Victory: He added that the easiest way for them to win an election is when Peter Obi or Rabiu Kwankwaso is on the ballot.
ADC's Position for 2027
Despite these criticisms, Maigari maintained that the ADC remains a united and strategically positioned force for the 2027 elections. He noted that Obi's influence could inadvertently help the ADC by acting as an "agent" in areas where the ruling party expects to dominate. Maigari concluded that Obi's presence on the ballot might split votes in favor of the ADC's candidates.
