The Obidient Movement has insisted that the presidency in 2027 should remain in Southern Nigeria, declaring that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is best suited to complete what it described as the region’s remaining term.
The position was articulated by the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, in an interview with Punch, as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
Naijaonpoint reports that Tanko’s declaration came on the same day that Obi’s 2023 running mate, Datti Baba‑Ahmed, formally declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2027 at a rally held at the Labour Party (LP) national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.
At the Abuja rally, Baba‑Ahmed, flanked by the embattled LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, described his presidential ambition as neither reactionary nor dependent on Obi’s political decisions.
Baba‑Ahmed noted that his aspiration for the presidency predates the 2023 election, dismissing suggestions that his bid was a response to Obi’s exit from the LP.
A northern Muslim, Baba‑Ahmed also downplayed concerns about religion and ethnicity in the race, stressing that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office.
Baba‑Ahmed’s announcement followed shortly after Obi’s departure from the LP for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
However, Tanko, a close ally of Obi, said the Obidient Movement was wary of suggestions that Obi should step aside or defer his political ambition.
“We are democrats. We believe it is the turn of the South, and Obi will complete the remaining term of the South. That is our position,” Tanko stated.
He emphasised that the movement’s stance is rooted in democratic principles and equity, rather than personality politics.
Tanko’s remarks come as opposition politics enters a tense and highly competitive phase, with multiple heavyweight contenders openly jostling for the ADC presidential ticket.
The contest has rekindled conversations about zoning, consensus and internal cohesion within the emerging opposition bloc, with stakeholders urging unity amid fears that disunity could undermine the collective effort to challenge the ruling party.