NEWS
Peter Obi Reportedly Relieves Yunusa Tanko of Obidient National Coordinator Role as OK Movement Cites Integrity Concerns
A fresh development within Nigeria’s opposition political space has sparked widespread reactions after the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement announced that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reportedly relieved Dr. Yunusa Tanko of his position as the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.
The announcement was made by the National Director of Operations of the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, Hon. Francis Nnoli, who said the decision followed concerns over actions allegedly found to be inconsistent with the movement’s guiding principles.
Speaking to journalists, Nnoli maintained that the action was taken after careful consideration and was aimed at preserving the credibility and values upon which the movement was established.
According to him, “Dr. Yunusa Tanko has been relieved of his duty by His Excellency due to some inappropriateness and discovery that doesn’t align with the mandate of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement.”
He explained that the leadership of the movement remains committed to promoting accountability, transparency and ethical leadership, adding that its principal figures, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, would not compromise on those ideals.
Nnoli said, “They would not allow themselves to be associated with anything or anyone that does not align with that mandate. Our two principal candidates are men of honour and diplomacy and stand fair in justice.”
The Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement, which brings together supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describes itself as a solidarity platform committed to fostering good governance and building a more equitable Nigeria. Nnoli said the reported removal of Tanko was intended to reinforce those principles and send a strong message that transparency remains non-negotiable.
He stated, “The Obi and Kwankwaso Movement is a movement of solidarity and wouldn’t appreciate people who are not transparent as we look forward to building a fair Nigeria.”
Beyond the announcement, Nnoli also addressed what he described as continued attempts by Tanko to present himself as a key figure within the movement’s leadership structure. He said the operational leadership no longer recognises such claims and is working to ensure that information reaching supporters accurately reflects the movement’s official position.
According to him, efforts are underway to strengthen internal communication, maintain factual reporting, provide a healthy environment for genuine supporters and reclaim media platforms that have become subjects of competing narratives.
The development comes at a crucial period as opposition groups continue consultations and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. Within the OK Movement, the decision is being presented as part of broader efforts to strengthen internal discipline, enforce accountability and ensure that every public representative reflects the ideals of the movement’s leadership.
Reaffirming his commitment to the organisation, Nnoli declared, “I stand firmly with the OK Movement.”
His remarks underscore what the movement says is its determination to place integrity, transparency and service above individual interests, regardless of status or position.
The announcement has since generated widespread discussion across political circles and social media, with supporters and observers closely watching for further developments. Whether the reported action signals a wider restructuring within the movement or represents an isolated disciplinary measure, the message from the operational leadership is clear: the OK Movement says it intends to uphold its founding principles and ensure that every member remains aligned with its stated mandate.