The Interim National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has debunked reports suggesting an ongoing discussion between Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding a possible joint ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Tanko stated unequivocally, “That topic hasn’t even come up. People are speculating, but there’s no such talk now.”
Tanko, who leads the grassroots-driven movement supporting Obi, said their focus remains on building a broad coalition rooted in integrity, inclusiveness, and service to the Nigerian people.
Tanko confirmed that consultations are ongoing with like-minded stakeholders and political parties but maintained that any alliance must reflect the people’s interest, not elite political arrangements.
“There are already conversations going on to see how we can merge a lot of forces together. It’s not necessarily just Peter Obi and Labour Party. It’s about Nigeria and how we can rescue the country.”
He said Peter Obi is committed to forming a coalition “not based on ethnicity or religion but on competence and capacity,” adding that “it’s not going to be business as usual.”
Responding to the political divisions within the Labour Party, Tanko noted that the Obedient Movement has evolved beyond party lines and that the people’s loyalty lies with the values Peter Obi represents.
“If he (Obi) raises a candidate’s hand today, people will follow him. That’s the truth. It’s not about the party anymore, it’s about the individual and the values he represents.”
He continued:
“The Obidient Movement is not just about Peter Obi; it’s about the principles — the values, the drive for good governance, the fight against corruption, and a vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria.”
Tanko defended Obi’s recent statement that he would bring stability to Nigeria within two years of assuming office.
“For somebody who within his first term in Anambra was able to unite people and clear backlogs in governance, it’s not an overstatement. It’s not rhetoric.”
He described Obi’s previous visit to Egypt to study its power model as proof of his commitment to real solutions, stating:
“If he’s able to solve electricity alone in Nigeria, it will change the dynamics of the country totally. The number of small businesses that will rise is unimaginable.”
On Obi’s offer to serve only one term if required by a coalition agreement, Tanko said:
“It’s a question of integrity. If we agree that we’re going to have a one-term presidency, and that’s the agreement, he will stick to it.”
Tanko described Obi as a man of his word who would never deviate from an agreement once made in good faith.
Despite distractions, Tanko said the Obidient Movement is preparing to field candidates in the coming local government elections, including in Lagos.
“We are warehousing candidates, credible ones. Nigerians are ready to fight for their country. People are already stepping forward and saying they want to contest.”
He also pointed out that young Nigerians are more engaged than ever before and are not afraid to hold leaders accountable.
“Peter Obi is the only candidate that has been grilled by Nigerians through Twitter Spaces and all of that. And he’s been answering them. He’s shown courage.”
Tanko said Obi’s appeal is expanding across all regions, noting his growing acceptance even in the North.
“Even today, some traditional leaders from the Emirate Council came to present him with an award. That’s acceptance.”
He added: “Some of us who are Hausa, Fulani, Muslims, Christians, we’ve all accepted him. Because we are looking for a unifier.”
Tanko concluded by reinforcing the core message of the movement:
“We are not just following a man; we are following values, capacity, credibility, and compassion. Obi has all three.”
Chioma Kalu
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