The National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has reiterated that Peter Obi remains a strong contender for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, stressing that the former Anambra State governor will not accept a vice-presidential role under any arrangement within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Tanko made the clarification while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM. He dismissed claims that the ADC is being controlled by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that no single individual owns the party. According to him, members of the coalition jointly contributed their personal resources to build the platform.
“Everyone involved in that coalition made sacrifices from their hard-earned money. Nobody owns the party, so it is important not to misrepresent the situation,” Tanko said. He added that his focus remains solely on promoting Obi’s candidacy based on competence, credibility, and the value he offers Nigerians.
Tanko described Obi as a leader capable of providing what the Obedient Movement terms a “moral solution” to Nigeria’s leadership and governance challenges. He noted that Obi’s political philosophy aligns with the aspirations of citizens seeking accountable and transparent leadership.
Reports indicate that Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has formally joined the coalition-backed ADC ahead of the 2027 polls. Obi has explained that his move is driven by a desire to reform the system and rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.
Outlining Obi’s policy priorities, Tanko said an Obi-led administration would focus on fiscal discipline, strengthening national security, and boosting agricultural investment, while adopting a more sustainable approach to fuel subsidy management. He emphasized that a leader who truly cares about the people would not impose excessive economic burdens on them.
On foreign relations, Tanko said Obi would maintain a people-centered approach while engaging the international community with dignity and mutual respect, ensuring Nigeria regains its standing globally.
He further explained that Obi’s decision to align with the ADC followed wide-ranging consultations and was shaped by collective input rather than personal ambition. According to Tanko, the process was driven by a broad coalition of groups determined to address Nigeria’s problems and reclaim the country for its citizens, with young Nigerians playing a decisive role.
Responding to criticism over Obi’s exit from the Labour Party, Tanko said internal and external pressures made it difficult for the party to function effectively. He alleged that deliberate efforts were made to weaken the party’s structure, leaving Obi with little choice but to seek a more inclusive platform.
“If your house is deliberately being set ablaze, you cannot remain inside it,” he said, adding that the ADC offers a broader platform capable of accommodating diverse political interests. He noted that politics is ultimately about numbers and that the strength of the emerging coalition was already evident.
Tanko expressed strong confidence in Obi’s prospects of clinching the ADC presidential ticket, rating his chances as “ten over ten.” He said Obi’s appeal is rooted in his electability, clean record, and commitment to good governance, noting that he has never been linked to corruption and enjoys credibility both locally and internationally.
Dismissing suggestions that Obi’s move to the ADC reflects desperation, Tanko said the former governor has consistently followed the will of the people rather than imposing himself on any political structure. He described Obi as a genuine product of popular demand.
On Obi’s pledge to serve a single term if elected, Tanko explained that it is a commitment to national balance and unity. He said Obi has promised to complete the remaining four years allocated to the South and hand over power to the North in 2031, describing the pledge as a demonstration of integrity and statesmanship.