Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement has spoken on the movement’s position following the decision by Mr. Peter Obi to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Tanko made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
During the interview from 3:14, Tanko responded to questions regarding how the decision to move to the ADC would be received by members of the Obidient Movement, particularly in light of the presence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the party and concerns about potential outcomes of future party primaries.
Responding, Tanko said, “Well, if you notice, with all due respect to the ADC, it got its traction when people come around and agree and all.” He described the recent developments within the party, stating, “But the vehicle of ADC kick-started yesterday. It kick-started with one ignition kick, and that is that of the excitement that His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi has brought to it finally.”
He added, “The vehicle was actually packed, ready to start moving. Now it’s going to move. It’s going to move at an astronomic pace and speed.” Tanko attributed this to the nature of support within the Obidient Movement, saying, “This is because in the Obedient Movement, we have intelligent youth who are demanding for clarity and good governance.”
According to him, “They have made that position known very clearly, and they are going to move in their millions into the ADC.” He described this shift as confirmation of the movement’s direction, stating, “That is an affirmation.”
Tanko also used the interview to call on supporters to formalize their participation in the party. He said, “Permit me to use this opportunity to also affirm the calling of His Excellency on all Obedient and every Nigerian who mean well for this country to go in and pick up the membership card of the ADC.”
He added, “Go back to your ward, your place of domain where people know you back at home. Pick up the card, showcase it, let the whole world know that everybody is now in ADC.”
Commenting on the current political climate, Tanko stated, “Well, you know, at the moment now, the government have used its executive power, negative executive power against the people.” He said the movement was urging citizens to respond, adding, “We are asking the Nigerian people to use their positive executive power to get Nigeria back on the track.”
Tanko further said, “And I can assure you, the Obedient Movement can do that. We can galvanize Nigerians. We can mobilize them.” On the issue of party primaries, he stated, “When it comes to the issue of primary as Democrats, we will go in there as Democrats and contest equitably well with every contestant based on democratic tenets.”
He added, “And of course, we believe at the end of it all, Mr. Peter Obi will come out top with the large teaming population that he’s bringing into the ADC.” Addressing concerns about possible defections, Tanko said, “So have no fear about whether we are going to move out or move in, but I can assure you we will remain and battle for the soul of the ADC ticket and battle for the soul of Nigeria collectively, but not indecisively.”
When asked what would happen if Atiku Abubakar secured the ADC presidential ticket, Tanko replied, “We are Democrats and we will take democratic decisions.” He added, “That means that we will remain in the party and give the party the lease of life it demands democratically.”
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