In a scathing interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Umar Ardo, a prominent figure of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), publicly criticized former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for aligning with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Ardo asserted that he had forewarned both politicians about the party’s unresolved legal issues, but they chose to ignore his advice.
Ardo clarified that his opposition to the NDC’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) dates back to February 6, before Obi and Kwankwaso showed any interest in the party. He emphasized that his stance was never about them personally, but about what he perceives as irregularities in the party’s formation.
According to Ardo, after uncovering these irregularities, he reached out to associates close to Obi, urging them to advise the former presidential candidate to avoid the NDC and consider other political platforms instead. He also disclosed that he had a personal meeting with Kwankwaso and later called him shortly before their alleged move to the NDC, detailing the problems the party was facing.
Despite these warnings, both politicians proceeded with their involvement. Ardo stated that their entry has not improved the situation, which he described as “as bad as it has always been.” He expressed concern that the NDC’s unresolved legal troubles could be a “national fraud” on the country. “You cannot come through this way and expect people to vote for you,” he added.
Ardo made it clear that his actions were motivated solely by a desire to prevent a fraudulent situation from undermining Nigeria’s political process, not by any personal rivalry with Obi or Kwankwaso.