The former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has alleged that he experienced betrayal of trust and loyalty within the group before moving to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Tanko, who recently joined the SDP as National Coordinator of its presidential campaign council, said he did not voluntarily leave the Obidient Movement but was pushed out because of intolerance.
Speaking with journalists, he also said only Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), could explain his political intentions.
Tanko, however, expressed appreciation to the former Anambra State governor for giving him the opportunity to work with him.
“In the case of Peter Obi, it’s a different ball game, you can’t say his mind, only him can say his mind for himself.
“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate all the work that I have done, and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity.
“The only thing that I suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust, loyalty, and the people who recognized my little effort in contributing to nation building; they picked me up and made me a diamond,” he said.
Explaining his departure from the movement, Tanko insisted that he was removed rather than voluntarily resigning.
“I did not exit the movement, I was exited, so if I’m exited, I don’t stay where being tolerated, I go to where I’m being appreciated.
“For me, it’s about giving the best of your best to Nigeria, and I will continue to do so,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tanko has begun coordinating the SDP’s presidential campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He chaired the inaugural strategic meeting of the party’s presidential campaign council on Thursday at its national headquarters in Abuja, barely one week after joining the party.
The closed-door meeting, which lasted more than three hours, brought together key operational heads and leaders of the council to discuss strategies for mobilising support for the presidential ambition of the party’s candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the council’s Chief Media and Communications Adviser, Adebayo Mark, said discussions focused on coordinating the various directorates and developing a nationwide grassroots mobilisation framework.
He said the proposed strategy would cover mobilisation across geopolitical zones, states, local government areas, wards and polling units, alongside door-to-door and street-to-street campaigns.
Although the council declined to disclose specific details of its plans, Mark expressed confidence in Tanko’s leadership and experience.
“I can’t disclose our strategic focus to the media at this point. However, Nigerians will soon witness the tough stuff our team is made of and the incredible leadership capabilities of Yunusa Tanko.
“He is vastly experienced and patriotically committed to working harder for a free and advancing Nigeria under an Adewole Adebayo presidency,” Mark stated.
The council also reaffirmed its commitment to an issue-based and people-oriented campaign focused on national renewal and transformational leadership.
In a related development, the Obidient Movement congratulated Tanko on his appointment as the SDP’s National Coordinator of its Presidential Campaign Council.
A statement issued on Wednesday by its Media and Communications Directorate, described the appointment as recognition of his political experience, organisational skills and contributions to the struggle for a better Nigeria.
It said Tanko’s emergence in another political platform should be seen as an opportunity for collaboration rather than division.
The movement also clarified that its membership cut across political parties, ethnic groups, religious affiliations and social backgrounds, united by the aspiration for competent and accountable leadership.
While encouraging its members to join the NDC, the party of its principal, Peter Obi, the group acknowledged that some supporters belonged to other political parties.
“Consequently, the emergence of leaders from our Movement into influential positions across different political platforms should be a source of pride, not division,” the statement said.
The group further cited Obi’s attendance at the inauguration of the presidential campaign office of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as evidence of his willingness to cooperate across political differences.
It maintained that national interest should take precedence over partisan considerations, adding that its objective was to develop capable Nigerians who could contribute to national development regardless of their political affiliations.
