Former Senator Shehu Sani has cautioned Nigerians against linking President Bola Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the internal friction currently rocking the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), the new political platform associated with Peter Obi.
The outspoken former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, broke his silence on the matter following growing claims that the ruling party might be fueling the legal and administrative challenges facing the NDC.
Sani’s intervention comes at a time when the opposition landscape is witnessing significant shifts ahead of the next general elections.
The controversy was sparked by allegations from Dr. Umar Ardo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from Adamawa State.
In a recent interview with the online platform DCL, Ardo revealed that a legal battle is already underway concerning the registration of the NDC.
He argued that the party was not registered through the standard procedures of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but rather through a court order issued by a judge who previously served in Bayelsa State.
According to Ardo, the NDC failed to satisfy the fundamental constitutional requirements for registration.
Reacting to these developments via a post on his official X handle, Sani used a marriage metaphor to describe the political situation involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
He noted that the duo had essentially ended their previous political affiliations to “marry” a new partner in the form of the NDC.
He suggested that the friction being witnessed is a natural byproduct of such a high-profile “divorce” and the subsequent attempt to build a new alliance.
Sani emphasized that the legal hurdles and opposition being faced by the new party are likely coming from “aggrieved exes” in the political space rather than the presidency.
He warned that “abrupt divorce comes with pains, anger and consequences,” adding that it is only natural for former partners to “irrationally hunt you.”
He urged supporters of the opposition not to reflexively point fingers at the government for the party’s self-inflicted or procedural woes, stating, “Don’t Blame Tinubu!”
The NDC has recently become the center of political discussion following reports that Peter Obi and Kwankwaso are finalizing a merger to challenge the APC.
However, Ardo’s claims of irregular registration have cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the party, leading to fears that the platform could be disqualified before the 2027 polls.