The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, has said the movement will remain in the African Democratic Congress and accept the outcome of the party presidential primary, even if Atiku Abubakar emerges as the candidate.
Yunusa stated this on Thursday, January 1, while speaking on Channels Television The Morning Brief, stressing that the Obidient Movement is committed to democratic principles and will make its decisions democratically within the ADC.
He said the movement, which supports former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, will compete fairly alongside other aspirants, including Atiku Abubakar, but expressed confidence that Obi would prevail due to the level of support he brings.
“As democrats, we will go in there and contest equitably well with every contestant based on democratic tenets. We believe that at the end of it all, Mr Peter Obi will come out on top with the large teaming population that he is bringing into the ADC,” Yunusa said.
Asked what the movement would do if Atiku Abubakar wins the party primary, Yunusa replied, “We will remain in the party and give the party the lease of life it demands democratically.”
According to him, the ADC began to gain nationwide traction following Obi involvement, describing the party as a vehicle that was fully set in motion by the former governor entry.
“With all due respect to the ADC, it got its traction when people came around and agreed. The vehicle of ADC kick started yesterday with one ignition kick, and that is the excitement that His Excellency Mr Peter Obi has brought to it,” he said.
Yunusa added that the Obidient Movement is made up of intelligent youth demanding clarity and good governance, noting that millions of supporters are prepared to move into the ADC.
“They have made that position known very clearly, and they are going to move in their millions into the ADC. That is an affirmation,” he stated.
He also accused the current government of deploying what he described as negative executive power against Nigerians, urging citizens to respond by using their positive executive power through democratic participation.
Yunusa confirmed that several prominent political figures attended a recent political gathering in Enugu and supported the move to the ADC, including former governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and former principal officers of the National Assembly.
He specifically confirmed that Victor Umeh has joined the ADC, noting that Umeh served as master of ceremony at the Enugu event and played an active role in the proceedings.
“The person who was meant to be the master of ceremony did not honour the invitation. Senator Victor Umeh had to step in, which speaks volumes. He even moved the motion that was affirmed in one sweep by everyone present,” Yunusa said.
He further confirmed that Enyinnaya Abaribe has also officially moved to the ADC, adding that more defections are expected in the coming weeks as supporters continue to obtain ADC membership cards.
Yunusa maintained that the growing local and international base of the Obidient Movement positions it as a major force within the ADC ahead of future elections.
