Yunusa Tanko, former spokesperson for Peter Obi’s presidential campaign and Director-General of the Obidient Movement, has confirmed that the former Anambra State governor will run for president in the 2027 general election — regardless of whether he secures the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition or not.
Tanko made the declaration on Monday during the second Annual Colloquium held in Abuja in honour of Associate Professor Abdulmumin Ajia.
Speaking at the event, he emphasized that Obi’s resolve to contest in 2027 is unwavering, stressing that the movement is focused on rebuilding Nigeria with or without coalition backing.
“Obi has already stated that he will contest in 2027, whether we get the coalition ticket or not.
“So, we are not even contemplating whether or not he will run. But when we get to that level, the platform will be revealed,” Tanko declared.
His statement comes amid growing tension within the newly formed opposition coalition, which recently adopted the ADC as its official political vehicle for the 2027 elections.
The coalition has witnessed mounting internal disagreements, particularly over the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.
Several political heavyweights within the coalition – including Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi – are believed to be eyeing the top job.
Representing Obi at the event, Tanko urged the coalition leadership to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South in the spirit of fairness, equity, and national cohesion.
“Why should we have a northerner again when we can easily allow the South to complete their tenure to promote unity and cohesiveness? Afterwards, our northern brothers can take up their eight years,” he said.
He warned against repeating past political mistakes that derailed national aspirations, alluding to the controversial annulment of the late Moshood Abiola’s victory in the 1993 presidential election.
Tanko described Obi as a committed and capable leader who possesses the competence to transform the nation and urged the coalition to rally behind him to avoid another political blunder.
In his remarks, the celebrant, Associate Professor Ajia, described the ADC as a credible and independent platform with the potential to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
“It is only a strong opposition, free from the direct and indirect influence of the ruling party, that can rescue Nigeria from what can best be described as the irony of a collapsing rich nation,” he said
