Yunusa Tanko: Toxic Situation In Political System Precipitated Courageous Move Of Obi-Kwankwaso To NDC

Yunusa Tanko: Toxic Situation In Political System Precipitated Courageous Move Of Obi-Kwankwaso To NDC

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Alhaji Yunusa Tanko has defended the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the National Democratic Congress, (NDC),, describing it as a “courageous step” compelled by a toxic political environment.

Following recent reports of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Tanko, while speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, argued that legal uncertainties and tight timelines in the ADC made their candidacy impossible, forcing a move to preserve democracy and opposition strength.

“There is a toxic situation in our political system, but it was not directed at the ADC. So for Peter Obi and Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others, they have taken a courageous step that needs to be applauded so that Nigerian democracy will not die. This is the most important part of our current situation,” he stated.

He added: “Remember that attempts have been made to gag His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, denying him the opportunity to run for elections under almost any political party. And I make bold to say, the current situation, especially in the ADC, was very, very clear. The Supreme Court made its judgment and said that they should go back to the Federal High Court. As a layman, let’s look at the calculation: Today is the 4th of May. The window closes for submissions and all other processes in the political system on the 10th of May. Now, from the 4th of May to the 10th of May, you have only five days. From Monday the 4th to Friday the 8th. The 9th and 10th are weekends. This means you have only five days to adjudicate within the Federal High Court; winning or losing, the other person will take you to the Appeal Court; winning or losing, you then go back to the Supreme Court. Within five days, it is practically impossible. So you know it’s a trap for the candidacy of His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi and even the ADC themselves. That is why myself and all other ‘Obidients’ will wholeheartedly support His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and others to quickly find an exit point in order to defend our democracy,” he explained.

Responding to claims that Obi avoided internal competition, Tanko dismissed the criticism, insisting the decision was driven by “clear facts” rather than fear of rivals.

“No, he left based on the facts that I mentioned.”

Alleging a pattern of interference, Tanko maintained that the former governor is being deliberately targeted, and that his movements between parties are not opportunistic but a necessary effort to safeguard his political participation and defend Nigeria’s democracy.

“The government of the day has found itself completely involved in all the political parties, trying to deny His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi from running for office. This is clear testimony. When he was in the Labour Party, it was the same thing. When he moved to the ADC, it was the same thing. Now, you can see clearly that the man is the target of the federal government to ensure he doesn’t run. If not, why are you disturbed about him moving from one party to another? He is not nomadic; he is trying to protect and serve his people and save Nigerian democracy,” he insisted.

Speaking more on this, Tanko said Obi’s repeated party changes reflect not inconsistency but resilience in the face of political exclusion.

“It says to you, as Nigerians, that this is a man who has been completely denied the opportunity to survive in our political space, yet he is resilient and determined to provide an alternative for the Nigerian people,” he said.

Alhaji Tanko said support for Obi across regions, including backing from Kwankwaso, signals growing national unity and a stronger opposition front ahead of the next election.

“In 2023 the major accusation against his candidacy was that he didn’t have any basic support in the North. I am talking to you from Kano State. We just received many Nigerians from Northern states joining him. Today, we have one of the biggest and most resilient personalities in the name of His Excellency Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso joining and agreeing to serve with Mr. Peter Obi. That means you can have at least 19 to 20 Northern states coming in en masse to work together with him. That will create stability between the North and the South and give us an option that shows Nigeria is ready to unite as one. We are now saying it is time for us to unite this country, and the exit point for that unity is the presidency of His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi.”

Dismissing suggestions that Obi defected out of political ambition, Tanko said the decision reflects a commitment to making Nigeria work, anchored on accountability, character, and unity.

“Right from the beginning, Mr. Obi has clearly stipulated that he is not desperate to be Nigerian President, but he is desperate to see Nigeria work. That speaks volumes for someone who wants to build a united country based on accountability, credibility, character, and compassion,” he maintained.