By Hauwa Umar
The Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has raised alarm over what he describes as a calculated plot by the Presidency to derail the presidential ambition of Mr. Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with New Telegraph’s Olaolu Oladipo, Dr. Tanko accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating the festering crisis within the Labour Party (LP) to deny Obi a credible political platform. According to him, the strategy forms part of a broader effort to weaken all opposition forces before 2027.
> “President Tinubu himself admitted during his Democracy Day address that he was happy to see the opposition in disarray,” Tanko said. “That statement alone confirms our suspicion that the ruling government is actively fanning the flames of discord.”
Tanko claimed the Obidient Movement remains unwavering in its loyalty to Mr. Obi, who is fully committed to contesting the 2027 presidential election. He rejected rumours suggesting that Obi might run as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate, describing such claims as a “kite being flown to distract supporters.”
> “Peter Obi is not desperate for power. He is desperate only to fix Nigeria,” Tanko affirmed.
While acknowledging that the LP remains Obi’s current political base, Tanko hinted that the Obidient Movement might reconsider its alignment if the internal crisis within the party is not resolved. He noted that discussions are already ongoing among opposition leaders to form a broad-based coalition to challenge the APC at the next polls.
> “We are not naïve. We know we cannot do it alone. That’s why we are deeply involved in coalition talks. Mr. Obi is right at the center of these efforts,” he revealed.
Tanko also issued a strong call to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to swiftly resolve the Labour Party’s leadership tussle, stating that the commission has all the documentation it needs but is lacking the political will.
> “INEC must rise to the occasion. If they do what is right, history will remember them positively,” he added.
Assessing the current administration, Dr. Tanko delivered a scathing critique of President Tinubu’s performance, accusing the government of betraying public trust and worsening economic conditions.
> “Instead of creating the promised three million jobs annually, we’re seeing record-high unemployment, rising poverty, mass hunger, and inflation. Insecurity still reigns in Benue, Taraba, and other states. This government has failed on all fronts,” he said.
Tanko urged Nigerians to resist attempts to manipulate democratic institutions and to rally behind leaders who can offer a genuine alternative.
> “This is not just about Peter Obi. It’s about the future of Nigeria. We must stand behind competence, integrity, and vision — and right now, Obi embodies that hope,” Tanko concluded.
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