The Obidient Movement has congratulated its former National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, on his appointment as National Coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the development as a recognition of his political experience and leadership capacity.
The Movement, however, used the opportunity to clarify its position on members operating across different political platforms, insisting that its strength lies in a shared commitment to building a better Nigeria rather than membership of a particular political party.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and signed by its Media and Communications Directorate, the Movement said Tanko’s appointment reflected his years of commitment to the struggle for a better Nigeria, as well as his organisational abilities.
It wished him success in his new assignment, describing his emergence as another testament to the quality of leadership nurtured within the Obidient Movement.
The statement noted that although the Movement encourages its members to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the political party of its principal, Peter Obi, it recognises that its membership cuts across different political parties, ethnicities, religions, generations and social backgrounds.
“Even though we strongly encourage our members to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the party of our principal, we also acknowledge that our membership cuts across political parties, ethnicities, religions, generations and social backgrounds,” the statement said.
“What binds us together is not necessarily membership of the same political party, but our shared conviction that Nigeria deserves competent, compassionate and accountable leadership.”
The Movement maintained that the emergence of its members in influential positions across different political platforms should be celebrated rather than viewed as a source of division, arguing that such developments demonstrate the depth of talent, experience and leadership within its ranks.
It further described Tanko’s appointment as evidence of the Movement’s contribution to Nigeria’s political development, expressing pride that individuals who had served and grown within its ranks continued to find opportunities to contribute to national development in different capacities.
The statement also linked the development to Obi’s political philosophy, which it said places national interest above partisan considerations.
As an illustration, it cited Obi’s recent attendance at the inauguration of the presidential campaign office of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, despite their different political affiliations and presidential aspirations.
According to the Movement, Obi’s participation demonstrated his consistent advocacy for political cooperation and the need for leaders to put aside personal and partisan differences in the collective effort to rescue Nigeria.
“Mr Obi has repeatedly emphasised the need for political leaders to put aside personal and partisan differences and work together to rescue Nigeria,” it added.
Reiterating its position on the broader objective of the Obidient Movement, the statement stressed that the quest for a New Nigeria was never intended to confine capable Nigerians to a single political party.
Rather, it said the Movement was committed to developing a generation of leaders capable of demonstrating competence, integrity and dedication to public service wherever they found themselves.
“We are building leaders, expanding the possibilities of national collaboration and contributing to a new political culture in Nigeria,” the statement declared.
The Movement consequently wished Tanko success in his new responsibility, maintaining that his political journey reinforced its belief that the Obidient platform was more than a political following.
It reaffirmed its commitment to building a New Nigeria where leadership would be determined by character, competence, capacity, compassion and commitment.
