The defection of former presidential candidate Peter Obi and former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has been hailed as a courageous and necessary move to safeguard Nigerian democracy, according to Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement. Speaking on Arise TV on Monday, Tanko emphasized that the shift was driven by a toxic political environment and unrealistic legal timelines that made it impossible for the ADC to field a credible presidential candidate before the May 10 deadline.
Tanko explained that the political landscape within the ADC had become untenable, not because of internal party issues, but due to systemic challenges designed to undermine opposition candidates. He pointed out that from May 4 to May 10, only five working days were available for legal processes, including court hearings and appeals, which is insufficient for a fair and thorough adjudication. The 9th and 10th of May fell on weekends, further narrowing the window for legal action.
He stressed that the compressed timeline effectively created a trap for Obi and the ADC, making it practically impossible to navigate the legal system in time to meet electoral requirements. “As a layman, let’s look at the calculation: Today is the 4th of May. The window closes for submissions and all other processes in the political system on the 10th of May,” Tanko said. “From Monday the 4th to Friday the 8th, you have only five days. The 9th and 10th are weekends. This means you have only five days to adjudicate within the Federal High Court; winning or losing, the other person will take you to the Appeal Court; winning or losing, you then go back to the Supreme Court. Within five days, it is practically impossible.”
Tanko described Obi and Kwankwaso’s decision to join the NDC as a bold step to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. He stated that the move was not a betrayal of the ADC but a strategic effort to ensure that the opposition remains strong and viable. “This is the most important part of our current situation,” he said. “For Peter Obi and Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others, they have taken a courageous step that needs to be applauded so that Nigerian democracy will not die.”
He affirmed that the Obidient Movement would fully support Obi and Kwankwaso in their new political home, urging all supporters to rally behind them. The transition, Tanko argued, is not just about party affiliation but about protecting the future of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. As the 2023 general elections approach, the move signals a growing consolidation of opposition forces under a unified platform. This shift could reshape the political dynamics and influence voter sentiment across the country.
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