The Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, has dismissed claims that Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Tanko, a key campaigner for Obi, stated on Monday that the former Anambra State governor remains a member of the Labour Party unless any new developments arise.
“As far as I am concerned, His Excellency, Peter Obi, is a member of the Labour Party. It remains so until when there is any other thing that may come up,” Tanko said.
His statement comes in response to assertions by SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, who claimed that Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were in talks to join the SDP. Earlier, SDP’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, had also alleged that Obi’s associates were lobbying the party ahead of the next election.
Tanko further revealed that Labour Party leaders would soon clarify the party’s position following the Supreme Court’s recent judgment that removed Julius Abure as LP national chairman.
“As I speak to you right now, there is going to be a meeting possibly within the week by the leaders of the party to make fundamental positions clear to everyone, and in line with the position of the Supreme Court ruling. That, of course, will put the whole matter to rest,” he said.
Opposition Coalition Eyes 2027 Election
Ahead of the 2027 polls, discussions about an opposition alliance intensified last month when Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political figures announced a coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu.
The coalition is banking on the combined votes of Atiku and Obi in the 2023 election, where they secured over 12 million votes—more than four million ahead of Tinubu’s tally.
Amid internal crises in the PDP, LP, and alleged discontent within the APC, the SDP has emerged as a potential alternative for some politicians. However, Tanko’s remarks reaffirm Obi’s current standing with the Labour Party.
