Speaking on Vanguard’s podcast, The Nigerian Meter, Kitiya claimed that the political energy and momentum that once powered Obi’s support base have significantly declined since the 2023 elections.

Kitiya, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), explained that his exit from the Obidient movement was influenced by his decision to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said, “Don’t call Peter Obi a candidate; he’s going nowhere in 2027.”

According to him, many of Obi’s supporters, especially those in the diaspora, do not have the grassroots presence or voter registration needed to impact electoral outcomes. He added that the unity and enthusiasm that defined the Obidient movement before the last election have since faded.

“Most of these guys, especially the ones outside Nigeria, they don’t have voter’s cards, they can’t mobilise people on the ground,” he said. “Before the 2023 election, if you check how we Obidients were talking, we had confidence because the connection was there. The connection is not there now.”

He also alleged that even within the movement, some supporters privately admit that the political tide has shifted.

“If I call two Obidients and place them on speaker, they will tell you their truths,” he added.

Kitiya confirmed that he formally joined the APC in February 2026 in Adamawa State, saying his decision was influenced by what he described as visible infrastructural progress under the Tinubu administration.

He cited projects such as the coastal road near Eko Atlantic as examples of ongoing development, while also acknowledging that Nigerians are still facing economic hardship. He urged the government to intensify efforts in addressing the rising cost of living.

The former Obi supporter also criticised some Obidient followers, accusing them of relying on online insults rather than constructive political engagement, though he encouraged them to continue supporting their preferred candidate peacefully.

Despite his criticisms, Kitiya still described Peter Obi as “a good man,” but insisted that, politically, he sees no viable path for him in the 2027 election.

According to reports, Yusuf was adopted unopposed after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Katsina on April 28.

The consensus decision was announced by the Chairman of the committee for Daura Zone, Ahmed Dangiwa, following consultations among party leaders and key stakeholders in the area.

Reacting to the development, APC Chairman of Mai’adua Local Government, Mannir Musa, urged party members to accept the outcome in good faith.

He said, “We should all work together for the unity and progress of the party and our people.”

Musa also appealed to Governor Dikko Radda to extend support to aspirants who did not secure tickets.

He further revealed that other positions were also filled through consensus, including Nasir Yahaya for the Daura senatorial district and Mustapha Musa for the Mai’adua constituency seat in the Katsina State House of Assembly.

In his reaction, Yusuf Buhari expressed gratitude to party members for their confidence and support.

He pledged to deliver effective and quality representation to his constituents if elected in the 2027 general elections.