Some Nigerians have reacted as the former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, dumped the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for the Social Democratic Party, SDP, flagbearer Adewole Adebayo.
Tanko, who was one of the closest allies of Obi and the face of the Obidient Movement during the 2023 election, will now coordinate Adebayo’s campaign ahead of the 2027 election.
The SDP National Chairman, Professor Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, made the announcement on Wednesday during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council at the SDP national secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech in Abuja, Tanko thanked the SDP leadership for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to work with Adebayo to secure victory in 2027.
He described the SDP as a left-wing, people-oriented party committed to defending the interests of disadvantaged Nigerians.
“I tendered my resignation on the 30th of October 2026 as the political advisor to His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, to represent Northern Nigeria. I have since reached out to His Excellency Mr Peter Obi and the National Leader of the National Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson,” Tanko said.
Tanko’s defection has sparked a serious fight on social media, with many X users asking one question: Tanko of all people?
Below are some reactions compiled by Arogidigba Global Journal.
@horlanrewajunu1: “Yunusa Tanko of all people? Why is everyone departing from Obi? Why is everyone who has once worked with him in one capacity or the other disassociating with him?”
@Balogun_Jamiu: “Peter Obi’s inability to effectively manage and unite his own political group exposes his leadership limitations. If he cannot put his political house in order, how does he intend to manage a complex country like Nigeria? Popularity is not leadership; capacity is!”
@Jamesdeyemi: “Peter Obi can’t unite his Party, he always leaves when a small crisis happens, he can’t maintain his own inner causes that spell a lot about uniting a complex country like Nigeria.”
@zecks_eze: “A game is a game !!! Una never sees something. Something very big is cooking! Make una dey play! Minority opposition will deal with APC.”
@Haleemarh_Gumel: “Peter Obi’s struggles to manage and unite his own political camp raise serious questions about his leadership capacity.”
@KaciiEleven: “Good luck to him. We have capable hands working with the Obi Kwankwaso campaign.”
@ItzmuahOG: “Peter Obi is spreading his wings to all political parties no worry.”
@Olomu_Aperan: “Peter Obi lacks leadership qualities, he couldn’t hold his movement together how does he intend to hold Nigerian a great country with diversities together.”