The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has said 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.