The Obidient Movement has denied claims that it has been sending emissaries to Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to persuade him to step down for Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), ahead of the 2027 election.
The denial followed a claim by Demola Olanrewaju, a Special Assistant to Atiku, alleging that Obi had sent people to appeal to his principal to withdraw from the presidential race in his favour.
However, speaking with Daily Independent, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said the movement had not sent anyone to Atiku to make such a request.
Tanko said the movement’s position remained that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027, arguing that this would promote fairness and political balance between the North and South.
“I saw an article which says Atiku’s people that were asking him to step down for Peter Obi. We have never sent anybody anywhere to go and beg,” Tanko said.
“All we have been saying is that it is the turn of Southern presidency. It will be good to support a southerner as president to complete the remaining four years of Southern presidency from 2027 to 2031 and then a northerner can take over.
“That has always been our position as we strongly believe this will help in uniting the country. This will ensure balance between the North and South and no one will feel cheated.”
Tanko also dismissed any suggestion that the movement was opposed to Atiku, stressing that Obi and his supporters held the former vice-president in high regard.
“We have utmost respect for Atiku Abubakar. Our principal, Peter Obi, holds him in high esteem and we also follow suit.
“But we have never sent anyone to beg him to step down for Peter Obi,” he added.
