The National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has said that former Anambra State governor Peter Obi remains a strong contender for the 2027 presidential election and will not accept the position of a running mate to any politician.
Tanko said Obi has maintained his promise to serve only one term if elected president, adding that the pledge was made to Nigerians and not to any political party. According to him, Obi’s plan is in line with the principle of fairness and national balance.
He explained that if Obi wins the 2027 election, he would complete what he described as the remaining four years of the South’s turn and hand over power to the North in 2031. Tanko said this shows Obi’s commitment to unity and trust.
Tanko made these remarks while speaking on a current affairs programme aired on Eagle 102.5 FM. He also dismissed claims that the African Democratic Congress is controlled by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stressing that no single individual owns the party.
He said members of the coalition that adopted the ADC all contributed resources to build the platform, adding that Obi’s focus is on presenting his record and plans to Nigerians. Tanko described Obi as a candidate with the capacity to address Nigeria’s leadership problems through what he called a moral approach to governance.
Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, recently joined the ADC ahead of the 2027 polls. The former governor said his move was driven by the need to rescue the country and bring meaningful change.
On policy direction, Tanko said an Obi-led government would place priority on economic discipline, security and agriculture. He added that subsidy management would be handled carefully to avoid placing extra burden on citizens. He noted that Obi believes government policies should not push people beyond their limits.
Tanko also spoke on Obi’s foreign policy outlook, saying the former governor would engage Nigerians respectfully while also rebuilding the country’s standing with the international community.
He explained that Obi’s decision to align with the ADC followed wide consultations with different groups, including young Nigerians whom he described as key decision makers. According to him, the move was based on the will of the people and not personal ambition.
Responding to criticism over Obi’s exit from the Labour Party, Tanko said internal challenges within the party made it difficult to continue. He alleged that there were deliberate efforts to weaken the party, making it necessary to seek a broader and more inclusive platform.
Tanko expressed confidence that Obi would secure the ADC presidential ticket, rating his chances very high. He said Obi’s political strength is based on his personal credibility and record.
He added that Obi has not been linked to corruption and that his background and ideas have been closely examined. Tanko said Obi is widely seen, both locally and internationally, as someone capable of driving economic reforms.
Addressing claims that Obi’s latest political move shows desperation, Tanko insisted that the former governor simply followed the call of the people. He said Obi did not force himself on any party but chose to move with Nigerians who believe in his vision for good governance.