Former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has explained why he left the political camp of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tanko, who was unveiled on Wednesday as the National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council for its candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said his departure was due to a lack of acceptance from people within Obi’s political circle.
Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Tanko maintained that he had no personal disagreement with Obi but could not remain in an environment where he felt he was no longer wanted.
According to him, he decided to move to a political platform where his contributions would be appreciated.
“The group did not want me. You don’t stay where you’re being tolerated. You go to where you’re being appreciated.
“I respect Peter Obi, but since they don’t want me, people who want me picked me up from the dustbin and made me a bride. That’s what happened,” Tanko said.
Tanko was one of Obi’s closest political allies during the 2023 presidential election, serving as his spokesperson and Media Director of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation.
In September 2024, Obi appointed him as the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement worldwide.
However, he was removed from the position in October 2026 and subsequently appointed as Political Adviser, North, to Obi.
Explaining how he secured his new political role, Tanko disclosed that he informed both Obi and the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, before accepting the appointment with the SDP.
He also dismissed suggestions that his relationship with Adebayo was a recent development, explaining that both men had maintained a political relationship since 2023.
“This is not a mistake in history. When you go back into history, you will see my warm relationship with him way back in 2023. So this is a relationship that has long been built,” he said.
Tanko’s defection marks a new development in the political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
