“We’ll Interrogate How Obi Treated Northerners As Governor” — Usman Yusuf

Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, has revived allegations against former Anambra State governor Peter Obi amid growing political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Yusuf spoke during an interview on Trust TV following recent political realignments involving Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Both politicians recently left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the newly formed National Democratic Congress (NDC), prompting speculation about a possible joint presidential ticket.

Speaking on Obi’s prospects in Northern Nigeria, Yusuf said the region would closely examine the former governor’s record in office.

“We are going to interrogate and question Peter Obi’s tenure when he was governor of Anambra State,” Yusuf said.

“What he did to northerners. We all know that. He deported them. He even made them have an ID card, their names, where they are from, what their occupation is.”

Yusuf argued that Obi’s past actions would remain a major issue despite any political alliance with Kwankwaso.

“It is this same Kwankwaso that had to fly to Awka and warn them to be careful because there are more Igbo people living peacefully in Kano than northerners across the South-East,” he said.

“So he will come to the North now and explain to us. And that is why Kwankwaso is the vehicle to sell him to the North. But we have his record to interrogate.”

He also dismissed Obi’s repeated comments about the North’s agricultural and economic potential, insisting that insecurity remains the region’s most pressing concern.

“The biggest thing that ails us in the North is insecurity,” Yusuf said, questioning Obi’s understanding of security challenges facing communities in parts of Northern Nigeria.

Yusuf further criticised Obi’s references to economic models in countries such as Bangladesh and Malaysia, saying northerners were more interested in practical solutions to local problems.

The allegations referenced by Yusuf date back to Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, when reports emerged that some destitute persons were relocated from the state.

Obi’s supporters have consistently denied claims of ethnic targeting, maintaining that the actions taken at the time were administrative and security-related.