Yunusa Tanko, former spokesperson for Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign and current Director-General of the Obidient Movement, has firmly declared that Obi will contest the 2027 presidential election — with or without the backing of the newly formed coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

 

Tanko made this declaration on Monday during the second Annual Colloquium held in honour of Associate Professor Abdulmumin Ajia in Abuja. Addressing rising tensions within the opposition coalition, Tanko stated unequivocally that Obi is committed to returning to the presidential race, regardless of party platform.

 

“Obi has already stated that he will contest in 2027, whether we get the coalition ticket or not,” Tanko said. “So, we are not even contemplating whether or not he will run. But when we get to that level, the platform will be revealed.”

 

His remarks come amid deepening internal disagreements within the opposition coalition, which recently adopted the ADC as its political vehicle for 2027. Key points of contention include the zoning of the presidential ticket — an issue that has sparked debate among coalition members.

 

Tanko used the platform to call for the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, arguing for fairness, equity, and national unity.

 

“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 emphasized.

 

The call for southern representation appears to be a veiled pushback against reported ambitions of other heavyweight contenders in the coalition, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, both of whom are believed to be considering a presidential bid.

 

Tanko also issued a warning against what he described as “repeating the political mistakes of the past,” drawing parallels with the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely seen as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.

 

Describing Obi as a “committed and capable leader,” Tanko urged the coalition to rally around the former Anambra State governor to avoid “another political blunder.”

 

In his own remarks, Associate Professor Ajia lauded the ADC as an independent political platform with the credibility to reshape Nigeria’s political trajectory.

 

“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,” Ajia stated.

 

As the 2027 election approaches, the political landscape is already taking shape, with Obi’s camp signaling early intent, and the struggle for a unified opposition platform intensifying.