Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, recently emphasized that the movement is prepared to explore new ways of serving Nigerians if the Labour Party (LP) fails to uphold principles of good governance and accountability.
In a Tuesday interview with Arise News in Abuja, Tanko highlighted that the movement, initially rooted in the Labour Party, has grown beyond the party’s boundaries.
Tanko described the Obidient Movement as a diverse and inclusive network, comprising professionals, traders, and even members of other political groups, all united by a commitment to positive change in Nigeria. Reflecting on recent challenges within the Labour Party, he expressed concerns that the party’s approach might not align with the movement’s goals, particularly in the wake of lessons learned from the 2023 general elections.
One significant issue Tanko pointed out was the Labour Party’s lack of presence at many polling units during the elections, as it failed to cover 1,760 polling stations across the country. To address this gap, the Obidient Movement now aims to build a stronger grassroots network, ensuring representation in every polling unit. Tanko emphasized that this expansion is critical to their mission of fostering transparent and responsible governance at all levels.
“The Obidient Movement is much larger than the Labour Party,” he stated. “We have supporters everywhere—academics, business people, and others. If the Labour Party proves unwilling to adopt our vision of good governance, we will pursue other opportunities to realize our goals.”
Addressing the disappointment expressed by some Nigerians regarding the actions of certain Labour Party lawmakers elected with Peter Obi’s backing, Tanko stressed the movement’s need to establish a clear and effective structure. He believes this will help address public concerns and ensure that elected officials remain accountable to the movement’s ideals.
Tanko also spoke of the movement’s growing popularity across Nigeria, including in regions beyond its traditional strongholds. This expansion, he said, signals that the Obidient Movement has the potential to become a major force in Nigerian politics, capable of mobilizing support and advocating for governance that genuinely reflects the interests of the people. The movement, he asserted, is ready to take on the challenges ahead, remaining resolute in its mission to serve the nation.
