Former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has explained his decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign, saying he left Peter Obi’s political camp because those around the former Labour Party presidential candidate no longer wanted him.
Tanko, who was unveiled on Wednesday, November 11, as the National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council for its 2027 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, said he had no personal disagreement with Obi but could not remain in an environment where he felt merely tolerated.
Speaking in an interview with Symfoni TV, the former Obidient Movement coordinator said he chose 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 general election, serving as his spokesperson and Media Director of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation.
In September 2024, Obi appointed him National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement worldwide. However, he was removed from the position in October 2026 and subsequently appointed Political Adviser, North, to Obi.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding his new political role, Tanko disclosed that he informed both Obi and the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, before accepting the SDP appointment.
He also dismissed suggestions that his relationship with Adebayo was a recent political alliance, insisting that both men had maintained a cordial relationship since the 2023 general election.
“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,” Tanko said.
