The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has ruled out any possibility of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi accepting a vice-presidential position ahead of the 2027 general election.
Tanko made the clarification in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, dismissing speculations that the former Labour Party presidential candidate could emerge as a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“We have never put that on the table. Obi is running for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria — no more, no less. There is no discussion or anything related to him becoming a vice president, and we have already released a statement to that effect,” Tanko said.
The clarification follows Obi’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Last Wednesday, he formally joined the party at an event held at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, where he called on Nigerians and opposition forces to unite under a broad coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”
At the event, Obi criticised the current administration, accusing it of poor governance and deepening economic and social challenges across the country.
Tanko’s remarks come amid a growing public debate over Obi’s political future and the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket, sparked by an exchange between ADC chieftain and publisher Dele Momodu and political economist Professor Pat Utomi.
Momodu reacted to Utomi’s comments suggesting he would withdraw support for Obi if the former Anambra governor accepted a vice-presidential role in any opposition coalition.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Momodu argued that rejecting any form of political compromise does not align with democratic principles.
“Anyone insisting that Obi cannot run behind anyone is definitely not a Democrat who wishes to rescue Nigeria from one-man dictatorship,” Momodu wrote, while noting his respect for Utomi.
He emphasised the need for political realism, arguing that Nigeria’s political landscape demands strategic flexibility rather than rigid idealism.
“Every nation must have its own organic strategies. The Nigerian topography is an abnormal configuration,” he said.
Momodu further noted that intellectual strength alone rarely guarantees electoral success in Nigeria, where voting patterns are often shaped by ethnic, religious and regional sentiments.
Referencing recent political history, he added that while former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was widely regarded as more cerebral, the APC still chose Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its presidential candidate in 2023.
“The keyword is reality,” Momodu said.
He also recalled that Obi’s rise to national prominence began in 2019, when Atiku Abubakar selected him as his running mate despite resistance from party stakeholders.
Momodu concluded by urging Obi to remain committed to the ADC and to build internal party structures ahead of the 2027 election, advising him to “be a humble party man” as he pursues his presidential ambition.
