The National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has reaffirmed that former Anambra State governor Peter Obi remains a strong contender for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027 and will not accept a vice-presidential slot within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Gatekeepers News reports that Tanko also reiterated Obi’s commitment to serve only one term if elected, stressing that the pledge was made to Nigerians, not to any political party.
“If elected in 2027, Peter Obi would complete the remaining four years for the South and return power to the North. This demonstrates credibility and national unity,” Tanko said.
He made the remarks while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, monitored by The Guardian.
Dismissing claims that the ADC is controlled by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Tanko said no individual owns the coalition-backed party.
“Everybody that was in that particular coalition contributed to that particular coalition with their hard-earned money. Nobody owns that political party, please, and please, don’t get it wrong,” he said.
Tanko added that his focus remains solely on Obi’s suitability for office.
“I am only focusing on my candidate. I’m selling my candidate to the public based on his capacity and credibility and what he has to offer Nigerians. That’s all,” he said, describing Obi as capable of delivering what the Obedient Movement calls a “moral solution” to Nigeria’s leadership challenges.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, recently defected to the ADC ahead of the 2027 polls. Obi said the move was aimed at transforming and rescuing Nigeria.
Outlining policy priorities of a potential Obi administration, Tanko said the focus would be on economic discipline, improved security and large-scale investment in agriculture, alongside a sustainable approach to fuel subsidy management.
“Somebody who is concerned about the public will not tax them beyond their reach,” he said.
On foreign policy, Tanko noted that Obi would prioritise engagement with Nigerians while rebuilding global confidence in the country.
“The people of Nigeria are the ones that Mr. Peter Obi will interface with as a gentleman. And then he will also link up with the international community to ensure that they’ve got that particular respect they desire,” he said.
Tanko explained that Obi’s alignment with the ADC followed extensive consultations and reflected a people-driven movement rather than personal ambition.
“The decision to align with the ADC came from a conglomerate of diverse groups seeking to correct Nigeria’s problems and reclaim the country for its people. When they came together, the ADC was chosen as the political vehicle. Ordinarily, Peter Obi would flow with the people who are calling for him,” he said.
He described young Nigerians involved in the process as “the deciders” of Obi’s political direction.
Responding to criticism over Obi’s movement across political parties, particularly from the Labour Party, Tanko blamed internal sabotage.
“Forces in power deliberately undermined the party’s functionality. If your house is being deliberately set on fire, would you remain inside it? There was a calculated attempt to destroy what was being built,” he said.
According to Tanko, the ADC offers a broader coalition capable of accommodating diverse interests.
“Politics is a game of numbers, and that larger coalition was already evident in this grouping,” he added.
Expressing confidence in Obi’s prospects, Tanko rated his chances of securing the ADC presidential ticket “ten over ten.”
“Politics has no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. The interest here is good governance, and Peter Obi represents that,” he said.
Tanko further highlighted Obi’s record, noting that no corruption allegations have been established against him.
“No corruption has been found against him. His credentials have been scrutinised. His data-driven arguments have largely been validated. The international community views him as a credible driver of economic reform,” he said.
Addressing claims that Obi’s ADC alignment reflects desperation, Tanko dismissed the suggestion.
“He has never been desperate. If he were, he would have imposed himself on a party. Instead, he followed the people. He is the people’s choice,” he said.
