The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has declared that the group is not loyal to any political party.
Speaking in Abuja following speculations that the movement had become divided along party lines, he stated that their loyalty lies with Obi.
Tanko asserted that former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and other candidates have the right to contest in the 2027 presidential election, but the Obidient Movement would stand with Obi.
Obi, who is yet to make an explicit declaration on his political future, has been linked with a possible return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite continued membership of the Labour Party and alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on the matter, Tanko said, “Democracy guarantees freedoms, including association and choices about election participation. Anybody who wants to contest an election is free to do so. Atiku Abubakar has the right to contest on any platform, just like any other person. Nobody can deny him that right.
“But what we have resolved as a movement, with followers across the country and beyond, is that we will stand with our presidential candidate anywhere he goes.
“We are together and indivisible. The vision is the same, the agenda is the same, and we will stand firmly with Mr Obi anywhere he goes. We believe in his ideas and we will not abandon him.”
Tanko described political parties as mere vehicles in democracy, noting that the Obidient Movement’s support for Obi transcends party affiliation.
He also urged political parties to strengthen internal democracy and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
According to him, “the minimum expectation of Nigerians is a credible electoral process that truly reflects the people’s wishes and consolidates Nigeria’s standing as the giant of Africa.”
