Former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, says his decision to take up a leadership role in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign is driven by his return to the National Consultative Front (NCFront) and longstanding political ties with the party’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
Tanko, who has been appointed National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Organisation for the 2027 elections, made this known in his statement of acceptance dated November 11, 2026.
He said his appointment followed his assumption of a new leadership role in the NCFront on October 18, 2026, to fill the vacuum created by the death of the organisation’s late Co-Chairman and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba.
According to him, the NCFront recalled him to take up a new assignment in the service of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding his departure from Peter Obi’s political camp, Tanko disclosed that he resigned as the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s Political Adviser on Northern Nigeria on October 30, 2026.
He said he had formally communicated his resignation to Obi and the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
“I have since written to His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, and the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, stating clearly that I have returned to work with my people at the NCFront as Co-Chair of the Leadership Council,” he said.
Tanko also pointed to his longstanding relationship with Adebayo, saying their political association dates back to 2023.
He pledged to work with the SDP presidential candidate and his running mate, Professor Usman Bugaje, towards advancing their shared vision for Nigeria.
“I pledge to remain consistently committed to our unwavering belief in good governance, justice, equity, and national development,” he stated.
The former Obidient Movement coordinator described his new appointment as a call to national service, sacrifice and strategic political engagement, noting that building a nationwide campaign structure would require unity, discipline and effective mobilisation.
He said his immediate priority would be to establish a cohesive campaign organisation with structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, extending to senatorial districts, local governments, wards and polling units.
“Our objective must go beyond political visibility and public gatherings; we must build a credible grassroots ideological movement capable of translating popular support into indomitable and sustainable electoral success,” he said.
Tanko also highlighted his previous political experience, including his tenure as Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), his presidential candidacy under the National Conscience Party (NCP) and his membership of the Peace Committee on Nigerian Elections led by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
He called on SDP members, supporters and civil society allies to unite behind the party’s 2027 presidential campaign, insisting that the task ahead was bigger than individual political interests.
“The task before us is bigger than any individual; it is about the future of Nigeria and the generations yet unborn,” he said.
Tanko’s appointment was announced during the inauguration of the SDP Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja on November 11, with the party positioning Prince Adewole Adebayo and Professor Usman Bugaje for the 2027 presidential election.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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