By Ghazali Ibrahim
Yunusa Tanko, former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, has accused members of the group of betraying his trust and loyalty, months after leaving the political movement.
Tanko, who is now the National Coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Campaign Council, made the remarks while speaking with journalists in a video that emerged on Friday, November 13, 2026.
He also said that only Peter Obi could explain his political intentions, insisting that nobody could claim to know what was going through the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s mind.
According to Tanko, he remains grateful to Obi for giving him the opportunity to work with him and contribute to nation-building.
However, he described his experience in the Obidient Movement as one marked by betrayal, saying some members failed to recognise his contributions and loyalty.
He further claimed that he did not voluntarily leave the movement but was forced out because of what he described as intolerance.
“I did not exit the movement, I was exited. So, if I’m exited, I don’t stay where I’m being tolerated, I go to where I’m being appreciated,” he said.
Tanko, however, did not disclose the specific individuals he accused of betraying him, saying he might provide further details in a book he intends to publish.
His departure followed changes in his role within Obi’s political circle. After serving as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, he became Obi’s Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria before resigning from the position on October 30, 2026.
On November 11, he was unveiled as the National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council, where he is expected to coordinate activities in support of the party’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite his departure, Tanko maintained that his commitment to Nigeria’s development remained unchanged, saying he would continue to contribute to the country regardless of the political platform he operates from.
