Alhaji Kabiru Umar is an ally of President Muhammadu Buhari and leader of the pro-North Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). He has been with the president from their days in the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and currently a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In this interview conducted by NOAH EBIJE, the businessman cum politician gave an idea of what awaits ex-military Generals opposed to Buhari’s re-election if he wins a second term in February 2019. He also said the North will rather back Igbo as Buhari’s successor in 2023 because Southeast is regarded as a natural ally of the North in the nation’s political history.



You were in the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and today you are an APC chieftain. How has the transition been?

I’m in APC because I believe in it. APC is an amalgamation of three parties – ANPP, CPC, ACN and part of APGA; all of these parties are now in power at the centre. I belonged to an opposition party in the past, and I’m proud to say that. So, we’re an opposition bridge that came together and chased the party in power out of governance and I think that is a feat that one can be proud of. I didn’t join PDP when it was quite thick in performing, I did not join PDP, then why should I join it now when for the period they run the country, not that they did positive things, the negative things outweigh the positive things. So what is there for one to follow? I have never been a PDP man ever since the creation of that party. I have never been in PDP and I don’t hope to be.

Why do you say so?

You see, I’m a Northerner and we are backward in terms of money and education and the only thing we have that we are boastful of is political power, either during the first, second or whatever republic because politics is a game of number. And then during the 1999 political activity, the military made it a point that Obasanjo must be elected and I felt I was too small to change that but I could prevent myself from following PDP because I did not support Obasanjo presidency in 1999 simply because politics is a game of number. Why should we subjugate our right simply because some few individuals made it a point that one of them must be the president because of their personal arrangement. Why should I, Kabiru follow them?

From the picture you painted of retired Generals, it appears you are now more bitter by the current alleged gang-up by the ex-military chiefs against Buhari’s re-election in 2019. How bitter are you?

The issue of the gang up is selfish, why did they support Buhari in the first place? They supported him because they wanted him to do their bidding. The issue is simple, some of them have oil wells here and there, they don’t want to pay royalty, they don’t do anything. I mean they are supposed to be ashamed of what they are doing. If not that Buhari is even tolerant, he would have exposed them. See what General TY Danjuma said some months ago, he has unfettered access to Buhari or anybody in this country but see the statement he made and where he made it. It was disappointing and then nobody tells him anything. See what happened, late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua mentioned it when a minister visited him and the minister complained about electricity, I remember very well when Yar’adua told the minister that Obasanjo government spent over $600m, and yet there was no electricity, the minister couldn’t talk, never talked again. It was during Obasanjo period that we had the highest top ranking security officers and minister of justice killed in his own domain and nothing happened. I do remember there was one occasion that took place where Wole Soyinka said the killers of Bola Ige were in their midst. He did mention that the killers of Bola Ige were in the gathering, nobody challenged him because those who matter knew it. I think I have to mention names because it happened. Why was Audu Ogbe removed as chairman of PDP because he challenged Obasanjo, Omisore was in prison and he was made the senatorial candidate, Ogbe challenged it, and that was the beginning of his problem, not to talk of the issue between him and Atiku, something of that nature. Anybody in the same group wants their party to win, so there is nothing wrong. But Omisore was in prison and he became a senatorial candidate of PDP and eventually became the senator. You know for Obasanjo to begin to talk to people, I’ve been wondering why people should listen to him. I mean it is disappointing that people are listening to Obasanjo. I think it is disappointing. He said all unprintable things and lots of people are saying that. See what he did to the father of former Speaker of House of Reps, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, Alhaji Alani Bankole when he wanted to contest as governor of Ogun state. The same thing with Ajimobi, Amosun what did he do to them? What did he do to AD then? He made sure that all the governors were removed, when AD said they have no presidential candidate, they voted for Obasanjo but it was only Tinubu that survived. Is he somebody that can be trusted? You understand, he can’t be trusted by whatever yardstick.

Some Nigerians are saying that the northern numerical strength you mentioned is a fluke because of the allegation that the region often hire people from neighboring countries like Niger Republic to vote in the north. What is your reaction to this?

Those who are saying this don’t know what they are saying. The north does not need to bring anybody from anywhere to vote. We don’t have that kind of culture. We don’t have that culture of paying Peter to go and write exams for Gabriel. We don’t have that culture. That culture is alien to the north, that is the truth. How can somebody say northern population is a fluke? As a northerner, I feel bad because it is blackmail. From the first and second republics till date, the north does not have that culture of hiring political supporters from neighbouring countries.

One thing is that you cannot differentiate somebody from Maradi in Niger Republic from somebody in the neighbouring communities in Nigeria because they speak the same dialect, use same dresses, and what have you. But to say that we bring people from Niger Republic to come and vote in Nigeria, I think it is an insult to the north.

What is your view on the struggle between Igbo and Yoruba for the 2023 presidency?



I think that is their own issue, I am just a passenger. However, it depends on the time and the situation. The north has a long political alliance with Igbo. In the first and second republics, there was an alliance between the NPP and NPN, they called it Accord before it was broken. So it all depends on the situation and issues on the ground. Issues on the ground are very important, as well as the quality of the candidate. Whether such candidate comes from South-south or South-east or wherever, quality of the candidate and the prevailing situation will determine whatever… For now, nobody can predict the situation because saying it is one thing and actualising it is another thing. You never can tell what will happen before 2023, I stand to be corrected.


https://sunnewsonline.com/2023-presidency-north-will-prefer-igbo-to-yoruba-umar-acf-leader/amp/

Lies. See them

Noo our VP assured us that presidency is surely coming to our region after buhari whether buhari is a dead vegetable or is killing all of us.

Cc: Kellibae, immhotep, oshigun, unik3030, ramdeuter, ziggylady, ovamboland, gurnam, lionjungle3000, Lzaa, billgoldberg, pachukwudi44, donelli, rtsc. Etc

It's time for yoro-zombies to lament about 'IBO hate'

It's no longer 2nd Niger bride. They have devised another means of deceiving ndi Igbo.

Even the most foolish man in Nigeria should know that Buhari is not favorably disposed to handing over to an igbo man

The way these Wawa Dan Wahalas have been falling on themselves trying to lick 'almajiri' balls ehn. See serious atache by force with Arewa.

Kanu will be rolling in his grave right now. His disciples seem to be derailing right now.

Hmmm

KillTheZombies:
Cc: Kellibae, immhotep, oshigun, unik3030, ramdeuter, ziggylady, ovamboland, gurnam, lionjungle3000, Lzaa, billgoldberg, pachukwudi44, donelli, rtsc. Etc

What do you do for a living? This one where you expose grade A gullibility openly before the world mean you can't have a job where critical thinking is important.

instead of discussing how to make nigeria better,they are busy talking about who get the president,president that has never favour anybody except allies and family

The North is just playing tricks

They know that voting Atiku will give them another 4+4+4

Who get that brotherhood sign abeg

That is the fact I have been saying.

The fulani owners of the apc want an igbo presidency because they forsee the hand writing on the wall.
They know an apc without igbos is an opposition in the long run, and the pdp will capitalize.
It is not feasible.

And it is no wonder, the SGF have publicly called for igbo presidency in 2023.

It is the Yoruba in the apc that are running faster than their shadows, without any recourse to long term political realities.

2023 is going to be interesting. Nothing is set in stone yet as far as the apc is concerned.

There are still sensible people in that party that do not answer to tinubu.

EastGold:
It's no longer 2nd Niger bride. They have devised another means of deceiving ndi Igbo.

Even the most foolish man in Nigeria should know that Buhari is not favorably disposed to handing over to an igbo man

Lecturer since you know please shut up and go to sleep,conspiracy theorist turned opinionist?Who is begging who,did you peeps support President Buhari and APC in 2015,didn't Ngige war you obstinate lot?

And just like that man said, the igbos and the north have been in alliance for much longer.

Unlike what obtains now between the west and north, the alliance was not condescending.

We didn't stoop to conquer. Our alliance was based on mutual respect.

BillGoldberg:


The North is already strategizing on how to drop your lazy Yoruba arse and you are here screaming Kanu? You think Igbos can be blackmailed? No problem. We prefer to serve. Inasmuch as a Yoruba man never ever becomes President again. Igbos can serve too. No be only una get sense.

No one is strategizing anything it was an opinion he gave,if igbos want to be President in 2023 they should go and battle their Brothers from the south west, any further resistance against President Buhari is a waste of time,Ngige warned you people in 2014.

Just like they turned their backs on the wise words of Nnamdi Azikiwe and followed the deranged words of a mad man ojukwu,so our best advice for you peeps better get with the program and support APC to give yourself a chance in 2023,no one will beg someone to come and eat.

RTSC:
And just like that man said, the igbos and the north have been in alliance for much longer.

Unlike what obtains now between the west and north, the alliance was not condescending.

We didn't stoop to conquer. Our alliance was based on mutual respect.

Mutual respect for who Azikiwe that you igbos did not support & still insult till today for his vision of a one Nigeria and instead chose the ideology of a war monger that has haunted a section till today or Alex Ekwueme who had no say in NPN?

rexwalters:
No one is strategizing anything it was an opinion he gave,if igbos want to be President in 2023 they should go and battle their Brothers from the south west, any further resistance against President Buhari is a waste of time,Ngige warned you people in 2014.

Just like they turned their backs on the wise words of Nnamdi Azikiwe and followed the deranged words of a mad man ojukwu,so our best advice for you peeps better get with the program and support APC to give yourself a chance in 2023,no one will beg someone to come and eat.

Nop. Stay with APC while we stay with PDP. By my permutations which are very valid, we know how it will already end.

RTSC:
That is the fact I have been saying.

The fulani owners of the apc want an igbo presidency because they forsee the hand writing on the wall.
They know an apc without igbos is an opposition in the long run, and the pdp will capitalize.
It is not feasible.

And it is no wonder, the SGF have publicly called for igbo presidency in 2023.

It is the Yoruba in the apc that are running faster than their shadows, without any recourse to long term political realities.

2023 is going to be interesting. Nothing is set in stone yet as far as the apc is concerned.

There are still sensible people in that party that do not answer to tinubu.

You guys are so sentimental that laughing at your gibberish is the only thing one can do sometimes. Go back and read the nonsense you wrote above and inspect it for sense. This is why the world drinks Garri with Igbo mumuism.

Yes the Northerners in the APC will reject the Yorubas who formed an effective merger with them plus contributed electoral strenght, political might/machinery, dominating SW win in 2015, grassroot mobilisation and the finance to see the region gain 8 years in power to select a candidate from an ethnic group that humiliated Buhari in the SE(5% lot) and have insulted the "terrorist Jihadist" North for the past decade and generally sworn to always undermine Northerners any chance they get. That makes a lot of sense to normal folks. Shior.

There is no day that "sentimental" does not get used in relation to you guys at least 2,000 times on Nairaland and deservedly so. The way you reason and talk is just something else.

rexwalters:
Lecturer since you know please shut up and go to sleep,conspiracy theorist turned opinionist?Who is begging who,did you peeps support President Buhari and APC in 2015,didn't Ngige war you obstinate lot?

REX or what is your name?

Please, correct yourself.


it is WARN not WAR

People not peeps

Let's start from there.


And when you get home deliver this 'waka' to your father. Tell him (your father) I said he's very stupid

Oshigun:




What do you do for a living? This one where you expose grade A gullibility openly before the world mean you can't have a job where critical thinking is important.

bia na person pikin you dey tell dis one? are you did wicked?

KillTheZombies:

What is your view on the struggle between Igbo and Yoruba for the 2023 presidency?



I think that is their own issue, I am just a passenger. However, it depends on the time and the situation. The north has a long political alliance with Igbo. In the first and second republics, there was an alliance between the NPP and NPN, they called it Accord before it was broken. So it all depends on the situation and issues on the ground. Issues on the ground are very important, as well as the quality of the candidate. Whether such candidate comes from South-south or South-east or wherever, quality of the candidate and the prevailing situation will determine whatever… For now, nobody can predict the situation because saying it is one thing and actualising it is another thing. You never can tell what will happen before 2023, I stand to be corrected.


https://sunnewsonline.com/2023-presidency-north-will-prefer-igbo-to-yoruba-umar-acf-leader/amp/

Like Shagari said

RTSC:
And just like that man said, the igbos and the north have been in alliance for much longer.

Unlike what obtains now between the west and north, the alliance was not condescending.

We didn't stoop to conquer. Our alliance was based on mutual respect.

Mutual respect when one is the master and one the perpetual buttlicker

Balewa head, Azikwe vice
Shagari head, Ekwueme vice
Tofa head, Ugo vice
Buhari head Okadigbo vice

Compare to
Abiola head, Kingibe vice
Obasanjo Head Atiku vice
Buhari head Osinbajo vice

Tell Umar to look at this map. Where does it say ACF?

RTSC:
That is the fact I have been saying.

The fulani owners of the apc want an igbo presidency because they forsee the hand writing on the wall.
They know an apc without igbos is an opposition in the long run, and the pdp will capitalize.
It is not feasible.

And it is no wonder, the SGF have publicly called for igbo presidency in 2023.

It is the Yoruba in the apc that are running faster than their shadows, without any recourse to long term political realities.

2023 is going to be interesting. Nothing is set in stone yet as far as the apc is concerned.

There are still sensible people in that party that do not answer to tinubu.

Dude,
Do you know how party politics work? Look across Nigeria and tell me which region has delivered for APC. APC has a Northern President but the voice of APC is already in SW.

SW speaks for APC, not North. What happens in APC in 2023 will be determined by SW, not North, not ACF. Dont let Umar lie to you.

You can turn your region to APC if you want the ticket or put all your strength in and make sure Atiku wins 2019.

When you talk of APC going forward you talk of Yorubaland. Not North, not ACF.

RTSC:
That is the fact I have been saying.

The fulani owners of the apc want an igbo presidency because they forsee the hand writing on the wall.
They know an apc without igbos is an opposition in the long run, and the pdp will capitalize.
It is not feasible.

And it is no wonder, the SGF have publicly called for igbo presidency in 2023.

It is the Yoruba in the apc that are running faster than their shadows, without any recourse to long term political realities.

2023 is going to be interesting. Nothing is set in stone yet as far as the apc is concerned.

There are still sensible people in that party that do not answer to tinubu.

Igbos were against Apc in 2015 yet APC won,Stop giving your tribe false information, young man

ImperialYoruba:

Tell Umar to look at this map. Where does it say ACF?

Igbos loves anyone who tells them lies

hmmmm

Dude be sniffing kulikuli

ImperialYoruba:

Tell Umar to look at this map. Where does it say ACF?

Minus Igbo voters from west then tell me how many remaining in west especially Lagos where Igbos constitute over 45% of Lagos population