Yunusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, says he experienced a betrayal of trust and loyalty in Peter Obi’s camp, which led to his exit from the movement.
Tanko spoke on Thursday shortly after his unveiling as the
coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign council.
Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party
(NDP), appointed Tanko as national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in
September 2024, following a consensus to zone the position to the north.
He was later redeployed as Obi’s political adviser (north),
a position he held until October 30, when he resigned.
However, Tanko said he never wanted to leave Obi’s camp,
insisting that he was pushed out rather than choosing to exit the movement.
Tanko said although he appreciated the opportunity to serve
Obi, he could not remain in a political group where his contributions were no
longer valued.
“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 said he served the former Anambra governor with
diligence, honesty and integrity, adding that he still held him in high regard
despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“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.
“But now, since they don’t want me, people who appreciate me
have picked me from the dustbin and made me a bride.”
Asked whether Obi would be pleased to see him in another
political party, Tanko said he could not determine what was on the former
governor’s mind.
“You cannot say what is on his mind; only he can speak for
himself,” he said.
He added that his new political associates had recognised
his contributions to nation-building and offered him another opportunity to
serve.
On which candidate he would support if opposition parties
eventually agreed to field a consensus presidential candidate for the 2027
elections, Tanko said the decision would rest with 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.
Asked to identify the specific issues that led to his exit
from the Obidient Movement, Tanko said he would provide further details in a
book he plans to publish.
“You may have to wait until I publish my book,” he said.
He added that his resignation letter, which he said had been
sent to Obi and Seriake Dickson, national leader of the NDC, also outlined his
grievances.
Tanko dismissed suggestions that he had left the Obidient
Movement too late ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that his
departure was not voluntary.
“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 added that his commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s
development remained unchanged, regardless of the political platform on which
he served.
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