Yunusa Tanko: Obidient movement will seek new path outside LP if crisis persists

Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, says the group will explore a new path outside the Labour Party (LP) if the internal crisis persists.

Tanko told Arise News on Tuesday that the movement is ready to mobilise and extend its reach, following the setbacks of the 2023 general election.

“It’s clear to us that there are challenges within the Labour Party. The Obidient Movement is bigger than the Labour Party. We have them everywhere, academicians, traders, some members of other political parties,” he said.

“When it becomes inevitable that the Labour Party is not ready to assimilate the idea of good governance, we will have to look for another opportunity.

“During the 2023 general elections, we were accused, rightly so, that we do not have structures in all of the polling units.”

He noted that 1,760 polling units were not won by LP, with the Obidient movement now aiming to establish a “solid foundation” across the country.

Tanko said the movement has expanded beyond the influence of Peter Obi, LP’s presidential candidate in 2023, gaining support across Nigeria, including in the northern region.

“We are getting prepared and we are ready to face the challenges,” he said.

“Where you thought we don’t have them; we are now having them. Even in regions with religious sensitivities, young people are pushing for change.”

In response to growing disappointment among Nigerians regarding LP lawmakers elected with Obi’s influence, Tanko emphasised the importance of strengthening the movement’s structure to address public dissatisfaction.

“What we have in position now is that as the national coordinator, we are going to have zonal coordinators, state coordinators, local government coordinators and unit commanders,” he said.

“There is going to be a direction with a concept we have already put in place, and I can assure you it will galvanise everybody into place so that all of these particular issues that you raised will not rear their heads. Because if there is no direction, we can’t hold anybody responsible.”

Tanko also noted that a formal registration system will soon enable easy identification of members across the country.

“The data will be so coordinated (so that) you can easily identify an Obidient where he resides and the voting point,” he said.

Speaking on potential alliances with other political figures, Tanko affirmed that the movement is open to discussions while harping on the need build “a strong, independent platform”.

“That is the reason we are independently building the Obidient Movement to show our strength,” he added.