The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu-led government is trying to stop a new member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi from running for presidency in 2027.

Tanko claimed that Tinubu’s administration caused a crisis in Obi’s former political parties in an effort to prevent the former presidential candidate from running for the highest political office in the country.

In an interview on Arise Television, the Obidient Movement National Coordinator expressed sadness over the fact that Obi is being deliberately targeted.

According to Tanko: “The current government has become fully involved in all the political parties, attempting to prevent His Excellency Mr.” Peter Obi from running for office. This is clear testimony. When he was part of the Labour Party, it was the same situation.

“When he moved to the ADC, it was the same situation. Now you can clearly see that the man is the target of the federal government to make sure he doesn’t escape.

“If not, why are you bothered by him switching parties? He isn’t a nomadic person; he is working hard to look after and help his people and to keep Nigerian democracy safe.

“It is saying to you, as Nigerians, that this is a person who has been totally shut out from the chance to live and succeed in our political system, but he remains strong and committed to offering a better choice for the Nigerian people.”

Meanwhile, Yunusa has described the defection of former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) as a bold and necessary move.

Tanko said the decision by Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join the NDC was driven by what he termed a toxic political climate.

Speaking on Arise TV on Monday, he explained that legal uncertainties and tight timelines within the ADC made their candidacy unworkable, forcing them to act in order to protect democratic participation and strengthen the opposition.

“There is a toxic situation in our political system, but it was not directed at the ADC. So for Peter Obi, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others, they have taken a courageous step that needs to be applauded so that Nigerian democracy will not die. This is the most important part of our current situation,” he said.

Tanko further illustrated the time constraints facing the candidates, noting that the electoral process timeline made it practically impossible to resolve legal disputes.

“As a layman, let’s look at the calculation: Today is the 4th of May. The window closes for submissions and all other processes in the political system on the 10th of May.

“Now, from the 4th of May to the 10th of May, you have only five days, from Monday the 4th to Friday the 8th.

“The 9th and 10th are weekends. This means you have only five days to adjudicate within the Federal High Court; win or lose, the other party will proceed to the Appeal Court; and from there, possibly the Supreme Court. Within five days, it is practically impossible.

“So you know it’s a trap for the candidacy of His Excellency Mr Peter Obi and even the ADC itself. That is why myself and all other ‘Obidients’ will wholeheartedly support His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and others to quickly find an exit route in order to defend our democracy,” he added.

Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr.Peter Obi and a former Governor of Kano state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have formally joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The two politicians had earlier on Sunday announced their resignation from the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The National Leader of ​NDC Senator Seriake Dickson announced that Obi and Kwankwaso joined NDC during a press conference in Abuja, which was attended by both politicians.

Dickson remarked that the partnership of Obi and Kwankwaso would make Nigeria “OK,” using the abbreviation of their surnames.

​Other political heavyweights present at the unveiling included Aisha Binani, the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 governorship candidate for Adamawa; Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central; and Kwankwaso’s ally, Buba Galadima.

​In his address, Kwankwaso stated that the NDC’s ideology, which focuses on education and empowerment, aligns with his own.

Obi added that he and Kwankwaso would collaborate with NDC stakeholders to build a Nigeria that works for everyone.

He also urged the government not to interfere with the NDC, alleging past interference with the NNPP, Labour Party, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, says his planned engagement with policy and institutional stakeholders in the United States will centre on Nigeria’s worsening security, economic, and governance challenges.

His Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, disclosed this in a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday, noting that the former Vice President intends to draw international attention to what he described as a deepening national crisis.

Atiku, who served as Vice President between 1999 and 2007, said Nigeria is currently grappling with widespread insecurity, including persistent violence in the North-West, North-East, and parts of the Middle Belt, alongside rising cases of kidnapping and criminal activity across the country.

He warned that the situation reflects a systemic breakdown in governance, arguing that the state is increasingly struggling to fulfil its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.

According to him, communities are being displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and citizens left vulnerable amid escalating insecurity.

Atiku also raised concerns over the country’s economic conditions, citing rising inflation, currency depreciation, and declining purchasing power, which he said have placed severe hardship on Nigerians.

He attributed the situation to policy inconsistency and lack of clear economic direction, adding that public confidence in governance is weakening.

On democratic governance, the former Vice President expressed concern about declining trust in institutions and warned that any attempt to undermine electoral integrity in the upcoming election cycle could further threaten national stability.

Responding to possible criticism of his international engagements, Atiku maintained that discussing Nigeria’s challenges abroad does not amount to unpatriotic behaviour, insisting that global engagement is necessary given the country’s strategic importance.

He also urged the current administration to urgently reassess its priorities, strengthen public trust, and adopt clearer strategies to address insecurity and economic decline.

Atiku further called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively demand accountability, stressing that meaningful change must come from within the country.

He concluded that Nigeria is at a critical turning point, warning that the nation must either confront its challenges decisively or risk further instability.