Fighting for Nigeria’s Soul’ Motivated Obi to Join ADC – Tanko

The Obidient Movement’s national coordinator is Dr. Yunusa Tanko. In this interview, he discusses a number of topics, including the recent defection of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the necessity for a capable candidate to assume power in 2027. JOY ANIGBOGU presents the passages:

What factors were taken into account while choosing this movement to ADC to make sure it would be the best platform for his political goals?

To quote Mr. Peter Obi’s precise words, Nigeria is currently facing a national dilemma that calls for courage, clarity, and immediate action in order to reclaim and rescue Nigeria back into the community of nations. Regretfully, those who have profited from the democratic environment have now plotted against the state, which is using a stolen mandate to enjoy it. As you can see, the concerns of unification and guaranteeing the security of the nation—that is, having a candidate with the ability, consistency, and compassion to lead the nation—were important considerations. Taking into account the basic reality that you require a unifier, someone with the will and enthusiasm to put Nigeria in the proper perspective, someone with the managerial skills, someone who can handle riches, and someone who can revive the system. Someone who can guarantee the restoration of all Nigerian political institutions. His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi is an example of this. It’s also said that you can be forgiven for your mistakes, but you can’t be forgiven for remaining silent. Therefore, it is therefore crucial that our political system’s gladiators unite to fight for Nigeria’s soul in order to prevent the country’s already successful democracy from being threatened. Thus, those are the fundamental elements that are taken into account to make sure that we collaborate as a team.

What would happen if there was an actual intention to rig? What are the options you would look into, knowing that all these factors might still be in play, when we consider the factors that were at play in 2023, including the INEC factor and the way things operated at the time, as well as the fact that some people would say to the extent that they don’t trust the courts?

It is proven that the ruling government continues to plot against the populace and subjugate them in opposition to the interests of the group as a whole by employing negative executive power. However, one of the strategies that will be employed is our call for Nigerians to emerge with positive power, to oppose any attempts to keep them in poverty and prevent them from exercising their right to vote, and to make sure that the correct person is elected. Second, as Democrats, we will, of course, take all necessary steps to investigate every legal stance in order to contest this specific horrible crime against the people. Thirdly, there will be a strong plea for the international community to support the nation’s already-established democracy. By the time every Nigerian has cast their ballot, our mandate would have been strategically defended. We will also be able to gather our own independent results to make sure that every vote is counted, so we are confident. Therefore, we want to reassure Nigerians that all of their votes would be counted this time, and we will make sure that they support INEC’s proposals. That’s all if there’s a difference. There will be inquiries and actions.

We’ve seen how your candidate has switched parties. Could you share any of the lessons you or your principal have learned from using different political vehicles or teams to try to achieve his goals?

Increasing the scope, making sure you reach every corner of the nation, ensuring that everyone is enrolled in the polling place to provide you with the results that are already being obtained, and mobilizing people throughout the 176,000 polling places. Make sure you interact with the populace and work along with other gladiators. I refer to candidates who have an interest in other political areas as well. And that’s precisely what led to the coalition. The lesson was that, in order to incorporate everyone, we had to make sure that every building was in place from the north, west, east, and south. And for that reason, you will observe groups of people. What you witnessed in Enugu was a gathering of trustworthy Nigerians who had persevered through the years. There were at least three, four, or five former governors, National Assembly members, and active members in that specific hall. Actually, Sir Victor Umeh, a serving senator and former national chairman, served as the event’s Master of Ceremony. This will reveal the type of A-class people who joined that specific organization. Additionally, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives made the motion. The former Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives then confirmed it. This demonstrates the caliber of the people who have been mobilized to make sure that the lessons learnt are improved and addressed this time around so that the events of 2023 won’t happen again.

You seem to have a lot of faith in Peter Obi’s supporters, but are there any worries that those who are currently standing with him could be persuaded to join other parties or make decisions that are not in his best interests?

I completely agree with you that politics is dynamic, but we have faith in these specific people because they have demonstrated tenacity and resolve. With a two-edged blade, the problem is that you may drown in a river or the ocean. You have to grab it or risk drowning. Because Nigeria is truly collapsing, anyone who might be thinking differently has the chance to take a firm stance. And we can see it with our own eyes. Therefore, you have two options: either join the coalition and create a unified and viral nation, or we all suffer as a result. Therefore, I believe that it is better for people who wish to make that specific decision to do so collectively at this time. However, keep in mind that the young Nigerians who His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi is relying on are also a backup; they are observing and prepared to act. Therefore, he has people to answer to, yet anyone can do anything. Recall that you are witnessing what is taking on in the nation, as members of the House of Representatives are being battered until they are unconscious as they return home.

It’s a real-world illustration of what you would anticipate if you choose to run against the vote of the people, not that we endorse violence. Therefore, we are encouraging everyone to act morally for the good of our nation. Additionally, consider the nation’s destiny both domestically and abroad. Examine the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s sovereignty. Nigeria is not impoverished. Nigeria was simply plundered into destitution. The nation’s treasury was embezzled by them. The young people of Nigeria are not weak. They have a lot of strength and tenacity. You can observe what they have accomplished in the film and music industries. Nigeria’s intellectual prowess has been put to the test and trusted both domestically and internationally. In order to make our country great, we have the land mass, the weather, and the people. For the benefit of the populace, it is now necessary to recapture Nigeria. Therefore, you either support the nation and us or you oppose it.