Obi, Kwankwaso’s NDC Move Courageous Tanko

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has defended the defection of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Tanko described the move as a “courageous step” compelled by what he called a toxic political environment.

He spoke on Monday during an interview with Arise News, saying legal uncertainties and tight timelines in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) made it difficult for Obi and Kwankwaso to pursue their ambitions on the platform.

Tanko said the decision to leave the ADC was necessary to protect Nigeria’s democracy and strengthen the opposition ahead of the next election.

He said, “There is a toxic situation in our political system, but it was not directed at the ADC. So for Peter Obi and Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others, they have taken a courageous step that needs to be applauded so that Nigerian democracy will not die. This is the most important part of our current situation.”

He argued that attempts had been made to stop Obi from contesting under different political platforms.

Tanko said, “Remember that attempts have been made to gag His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, denying him the opportunity to run for elections under almost any political party. And I make bold to say, the current situation, especially in the ADC, was very, very clear.”

‘ADC Situation Was A Trap’

Tanko said the Supreme Court’s decision asking parties in the ADC leadership dispute to return to the Federal High Court created a difficult timeline for aspirants.

He said, “The Supreme Court made its judgment and said that they should go back to the Federal High Court. As a layman, let’s look at the calculation: Today is the 4th of May. The window closes for submissions and all other processes in the political system on the 10th of May.

“Now, from the 4th of May to the 10th of May, you have only five days. From Monday the 4th to Friday the 8th. The 9th and 10th are weekends. This means you have only five days to adjudicate within the Federal High Court; winning or losing, the other person will take you to the Appeal Court; winning or losing, you then go back to the Supreme Court. Within five days, it is practically impossible.”

He said the development made it necessary for Obi, Kwankwaso and their supporters to seek another platform.

“So you know it’s a trap for the candidacy of His Excellency Mr Peter Obi and even the ADC themselves. That is why I and all other ‘Obidients’ will wholeheartedly support His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and others to quickly find an exit point in order to defend our democracy,” he said.

‘Obi Not Afraid Of Contest’

Responding to claims that Obi left the ADC to avoid internal competition, Tanko dismissed the allegation.

“No, he left based on the facts that I mentioned,” he said.

He alleged that Obi had been repeatedly targeted across different political platforms to prevent him from contesting.

Tanko said, “The government of the day has found itself completely involved in all the political parties, trying to deny His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi from running for office. This is clear testimony.

“When he was in the Labour Party, it was the same thing. When he moved to the ADC, it was the same thing. Now, you can see clearly that the man is the target of the federal government to ensure he doesn’t run.

“If not, why are you disturbed about him moving from one party to another? He is not nomadic; he is trying to protect and serve his people and save Nigerian democracy.”

‘Kwankwaso Brings Northern Support’

Tanko said Obi’s repeated political moves did not show inconsistency but resilience in the face of exclusion.

“It says to you, as Nigerians, that this is a man who has been completely denied the opportunity to survive in our political space, yet he is resilient and determined to provide an alternative for the Nigerian people,” he said.

He added that Kwankwaso’s support would help strengthen Obi’s northern appeal and build a stronger opposition front.

Tanko said, “In 2023 the major accusation against his candidacy was that he didn’t have any basic support in the North. I am talking to you from Kano State. We just received many Nigerians from Northern states joining him.

“Today, we have one of the biggest and most resilient personalities in the name of His Excellency Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso joining and agreeing to serve with Mr. Peter Obi. That means you can have at least 19 to 20 Northern states coming in en masse to work together with him.

“That will create stability between the North and the South and give us an option that shows Nigeria is ready to unite as one. We are now saying it is time for us to unite this country, and the exit point for that unity is the presidency of His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi.”

Tanko also dismissed claims that Obi’s defection was driven by personal ambition. He said the former Anambra governor was more concerned about fixing Nigeria than becoming president.

“Right from the beginning, Mr. Obi has clearly stipulated that he is not desperate to be Nigerian President, but he is desperate to see Nigeria work. That speaks volumes for someone who wants to build a united country based on accountability, credibility, character, and compassion,” he said.