Controversy: Maigari Claims Peter Obi Damaged Igbo Presidential Chances

Maigari made the remarks during an interview on ARISE News, where he discussed recent political realignments, including Obi’s reported move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress alongside former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He argued that Obi’s political activities have not advanced the Igbo presidency agenda, but instead have pushed it further back.

According to him, many of Obi’s supporters are mainly focused on leveraging his popularity to secure electoral positions at various levels, such as state assemblies, the House of Representatives, or governorship offices.

He said, “My worry is not if Peter Obi will win the presidency; my concern is that Peter Obi has pushed the Igbo’s 20 years backwards from getting the Presidency.”

Maigari further stated that Obi is unlikely to win the 2027 election, insisting that most of his supporters are motivated by personal political ambitions rather than ideology.

He added that many of those aligned with Obi and Kwankwaso are using their platforms as a stepping stone for their own electoral success.

According to him, “99 per cent of those running around Peter Obi have the ambition of contesting state assembly, House of Representatives or governorship seats, and the easiest way for them to win is when Peter Obi or Rabiu Kwankwaso is on the ballot.”

Despite his criticism, Maigari maintained that the ADC remains united and strategically positioned ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that Obi’s influence in some regions could indirectly benefit the party.

He said, “ADC remains intact. Peter Obi is going to serve as our agent in the places Tinubu thought he was going to make it, and this is our advantage as ADC.