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The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has appointed Yunusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, as national coordinator of its presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 general election.
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Tanko’s appointment was announced on Wednesday during the inauguration of the party’s presidential campaign council in Abuja, where he pledged to work with Adewale Adebayo and his running mate, Usman Bugaje, to secure victory.
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The former Peter Obi aide said he resigned as political adviser (North) to the NDC presidential candidate on October 30, following his appointment to the leadership of the National Consultative Front (NCFront).
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Tanko, who served as Obi’s presidential campaign spokesman in 2023 and national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in 2024, said his relationship with Adebayo dates back to 2023.
November 12, (THEWILL) – Yunusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement and a prominent figure in Peter Obi’s political camp, has taken charge of the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) presidential campaign organisation ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tanko was unveiled on Wednesday as national coordinator of the SDP presidential campaign council during the inauguration of the party’s campaign structure in Abuja, marking a new political engagement for the former Obi campaign spokesman.
His appointment was also confirmed by Mark Adebayo, chief media and communication adviser to the Adebayo/Bugaje presidential campaign council.
The SDP is fielding Adewale Adebayo as its presidential candidate, with Usman Bugaje as his running mate, in the 2027 election.
Speaking at the inauguration, Tanko pledged to work with the candidates and the party leadership to secure victory, describing the SDP as a political platform committed to representing the interests of ordinary Nigerians.
“The SDP is a left-wing political party. For those of you who do not know, we represent the interests of the downtrodden. The SDP represents those people that you neglect on the streets. So, that makes this particular party people-oriented”, he said.
Tanko Explains Exit From Obi’s Political Camp
In information available to THEWILL, Tanko said he resigned as political adviser (North) to Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, on October 30.
He explained that his resignation followed his appointment to the leadership of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), following the death of the organisation’s former co-chairman and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba.
Tanko said he had reached out to Obi and Seriake Dickson, national leader of the NDC, to communicate his decision, while expressing appreciation for their support during his tenure as national coordinator of the Obidient Movement.
He acknowledged the support he received from both political leaders during his involvement in the movement, which mobilised support for Obi during the 2023 presidential election.
Tanko also pledged to work with the NCFront leadership and Adebayo, noting that his relationship with the SDP presidential candidate dates back to 2023.
The newly appointed campaign coordinator said he and Adebayo share a common commitment to building a better Nigeria, pledging to remain committed to good governance, justice, equity and national development.
“In advancing our political mission to a new Nigeria that works for all, I pledge to remain consistent and committed to our unwavering belief in good governance, justice, equity, national loyalty and dedication and unwavering commitment to new Nigeria from where it is to a better and prosperous Nigeria”, he stated.
He also pledged to work with the NCFront leadership and the SDP presidential candidate in advancing what he described as a collective political mission for a better and more prosperous country.
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From Obi’s Campaign To SDP
Tanko’s appointment comes against the background of his involvement in Obi’s presidential campaigns and the activities of the Obidient Movement.
He served as spokesman for Obi’s presidential campaign during the 2023 general election, when the former Anambra State governor contested under the platform of the Labour Party (LP).
Following the election, Obi appointed Tanko as national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024 after a consensus to zone the position to the North.
The movement became a major mobilisation platform for Obi’s presidential ambition, attracting supporters across different age groups and sections of the country.
Tanko subsequently served as political adviser (North) to Obi before announcing his resignation from the position on October 30.
Tanko’s Political Background
Beyond his involvement in Obi’s political movement, Tanko has a history of participation in Nigeria’s party politics.
He was the presidential candidate of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) in the 2019 general election and became the party’s national chairman in 2023.
His appointment as SDP presidential campaign coordinator places him at the centre of the party’s preparations for the 2027 general election, with responsibility for coordinating its presidential campaign organisation.
Tanko has pledged to work with Adebayo, Bugaje and the NCFront leadership in pursuing his stated commitment to good governance, justice and equity.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.