By Henry Umoru
The Obidient Movement has congratulated its immediate past National Coordinator for the North, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, on his appointment as National Coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Movement described the appointment as another testament to its leadership legacy and growing contribution to Nigeria’s political development, saying the emergence of its former members in influential positions across different political platforms demonstrated the depth of leadership talent within its ranks.
In a press statement issued yesterday and signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Onyeka Dikem, the Movement said Tanko’s appointment recognised his political experience, organisational capacity and years of commitment to the struggle for a better Nigeria.
It wished him success in his new responsibility, stressing that his political journey reflected the Movement’s broader vision of nurturing leaders capable of contributing to national development beyond partisan boundaries.
The statement read: “The Obidient Movement congratulates the immediate past National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, on his appointment as National Coordinator of the Social Democratic Party’s Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This appointment is a recognition of Dr. Tanko’s political experience, organisational capacity and years of commitment to the struggle for a better Nigeria. We wish him tremendous success in this new responsibility.”
The Movement, which has continued to encourage its members to identify with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the party of its principal, Peter Obi, said its membership remained broad-based, cutting across political parties, ethnic groups, religious affiliations, generations and social backgrounds.
It explained that its identity was rooted in a shared commitment to competent, compassionate and accountable leadership rather than exclusive membership of a particular political party.
According to the statement, the emergence of its members in strategic positions across different political platforms should be celebrated rather than viewed as a source of division.
“Consequently, the emergence of leaders from our Movement into influential positions across different political platforms should be a source of pride, not division. It demonstrates the depth of talent, experience and leadership that the Movement continues to nurture,” it said.
The group further described Tanko’s appointment as evidence that the Movement was contributing to the development of a new generation of political leaders capable of serving Nigeria in different capacities.
It also linked its philosophy to Obi’s longstanding advocacy for political cooperation, national unity and putting the country’s interests above personal and partisan considerations.
As an example, the Movement cited Obi’s recent attendance at the inauguration of the presidential campaign office of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, despite their different political platforms and presidential aspirations.
It said the gesture demonstrated the need for political leaders to put aside their differences and work together towards addressing the country’s challenges.
“This also reflects the political philosophy and national outlook of our leader, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, who has consistently demonstrated that Nigeria’s interests must transcend partisan considerations,” the statement added.
The Movement maintained that its vision of building a New Nigeria was not about restricting capable Nigerians to one political party but about producing leaders committed to integrity, competence, accountability and public service.
It said Tanko’s new assignment reinforced the importance of building political bridges and creating opportunities for experienced individuals to contribute to national development irrespective of their political affiliations.
“We therefore celebrate Dr. Yunusa Tanko and wish him success in his new assignment. His journey is another reminder that the Obidient Movement is not merely building a political following. We are building leaders, expanding the possibilities of national collaboration and contributing to a new political culture in Nigeria,” the statement said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to a Nigeria where leadership would be determined by character, competence, capacity, compassion and commitment, rather than political affiliation alone.
