Former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has attributed his departure from the political group associated with Peter Obi to what he described as a breach of trust and loyalty.
Tanko made this known on Thursday after he was unveiled as the coordinator of the Social Democratic Party presidential campaign council.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party, had appointed Tanko to lead the Obidient Movement in September 2024 following an agreement to allocate the position to a northern candidate.
He was subsequently moved to the position of Obi’s political adviser (north), which he occupied until October 30, when he tendered his resignation.
However, Tanko maintained that leaving Obi’s political camp was never his intention, claiming that circumstances within the movement forced him out.
He said he remained grateful for the opportunity to serve the former Anambra governor but could no longer continue in an organisation where his efforts were not recognised.
“Well, you know, as you move along in politics, there may be a time when your group does not want you, does not need you or does not appreciate what you do,” he said.
“You don’t stay where you are being tolerated; you go where you are appreciated.
“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate all the work I have done, and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity. But the only thing I have suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust and betrayal of loyalty.”
Tanko described his time working with Obi as one marked by commitment, honesty and integrity, adding that his departure had not affected the respect he had for the former governor.
“Everybody knows that I have served with diligence, determination, honesty and integrity. That was how I served Peter Obi, and I continue to respect him,” he said.
He, however, expressed satisfaction with his new political engagement, saying those who recognised his contributions had offered him another opportunity after his exit from Obi’s camp.
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“But now, since they don’t want me, people who appreciate me have picked me from the dustbin and made me a bride.”
On whether Obi would be comfortable with his decision to join another political platform, Tanko said only the former governor could explain his position.
“You cannot say what is on his mind; only he can speak for himself,” he said.
He noted that his new associates valued his role in national development and had provided an avenue for him to continue contributing to the country.
Asked who he would support if opposition parties settled on a consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Tanko said the choice would depend on the position of his principal.
“It will be the decision of my own principal. But all I can assure Nigerians is that I will be on the path of growth and a better Nigeria,” he said.
Tanko declined to disclose the specific circumstances that triggered his exit from the Obidient Movement, saying he would address the issues in a forthcoming book.
“You may have to wait until I publish my book,” he said.
He also disclosed that his resignation letter, which he said was forwarded to Obi and Seriake Dickson, national leader of the NDC, contained details of his complaints.
Responding to suggestions that his departure came too close to the 2027 general elections, Tanko rejected the notion that he voluntarily abandoned the movement.
“No, I didn’t exit. I was exited. I was exited,” he said.
“So, if I’m exited, I don’t stay where I’m being tolerated. I’ll go where I’m appreciated. That is the key word.”
He maintained that his resolve to contribute to Nigeria’s progress remained firm, irrespective of the political organisation through which he pursued that goal.