Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions following the defection of Dr Yunusa Tanko, former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, from Peter Obi’s political camp to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Tanko, who played a prominent role in Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, has been appointed National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general election.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, by the SDP National Chairman, Professor Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council at its national secretariat in Abuja.
Tanko will coordinate the campaign of the party’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, as the SDP prepares to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
Speaking after his appointment, Tanko expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership for the confidence placed in him. He also pledged to work with Adebayo and other party stakeholders towards securing victory in 2027.
He described the SDP as a people-oriented political party committed to defending the interests of ordinary and disadvantaged Nigerians.
Tanko also clarified that his decision followed his resignation as Peter Obi’s Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria on 30 October 2026.
He disclosed that he had formally communicated his decision to Obi and the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson.
According to him, his relationship with Adebayo dates back to 2023, describing his latest appointment as an opportunity to continue working towards their shared political objectives.
Nigerians react to Tanko’s defection
The development has generated considerable debate on social media, particularly on X, where supporters and critics of Peter Obi have offered different interpretations of the decision.
Some users questioned why a prominent figure who previously played a central role in Obi’s political movement would choose to work for another presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
One user, @horlanrewajunu1, questioned Tanko’s decision, asking why several individuals who had previously worked with Obi were distancing themselves from him.
Another user, @Balogun_Jamiu, argued that Obi’s difficulties in keeping his political associates together raised questions about his leadership and management abilities.
Similarly, @Jamesdeyemi suggested that Obi’s inability to maintain unity among his political associates could affect public perceptions of his capacity to govern a diverse country.
However, not everyone viewed the development negatively.
Some supporters maintained that the Obidient Movement was bigger than any individual and that the departure of some members would not necessarily weaken its political influence.
Another user, @zecks_eze, suggested that the development could be part of a broader opposition strategy ahead of the 2027 election.
Others wished Tanko well in his new political assignment, while some questioned his loyalty and the timing of his decision.
Obidient Movement responds
The Obidient Movement has also responded to Tanko’s new appointment, congratulating him and describing his emergence as recognition of his political experience and leadership abilities.
The movement maintained that its membership extends beyond a single political party, insisting that its central objective is the pursuit of competent, accountable and compassionate leadership in Nigeria.
It also argued that the emergence of members in influential positions across different political platforms should not automatically be interpreted as a sign of division.
Tanko’s latest political move comes after he was replaced as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement in October 2026 and subsequently appointed Peter Obi’s Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria.
His departure from Obi’s political camp marks another significant development within the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.
