Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Director General of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has declared that Peter Obi will contest the 2027 presidential election regardless of whether he secures the ticket of the opposition coalition, African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Tanko made the disclosure on Monday while speaking at the second Annual Colloquium in honour of Associate Professor Abdulmumin Ajia in Abuja.
“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. When we get to that point, the platform will be revealed,” he said.
His statement comes amid growing tension within the newly formed opposition coalition, which recently adopted the ADC as its official platform for the 2027 general elections.
Zoning of the presidential ticket has emerged as a major sticking point within the coalition, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reportedly insisting on running for president on the ADC platform.
Other prominent figures in the coalition — including Obi and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi — are also believed to be eyeing the ticket.
Representing Obi at the event, Tanko appealed to the coalition leadership to zone the presidential ticket to the South in the interest of fairness, equity, and national unity.
“Why should we have another northerner when we can allow the South to complete their tenure and promote unity and cohesiveness? Afterwards, our northern brothers can take their turn for eight years,” he argued.
Tanko warned against repeating past political missteps that derailed national progress, referencing the annulled victory of late Moshood Abiola in the 1993 presidential election.
He described Obi as a competent and visionary leader capable of transforming Nigeria, urging the coalition to rally behind him to avert 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 future.
“It is only a strong opposition, free from the direct or indirect control of the ruling party, that can rescue Nigeria from what can best be described as the irony of a collapsing rich nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement has announced a nationwide solidarity march scheduled for Saturday, July 19, to mark Obi’s 64th birthday.
