The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has applauded the defection of presidential aspirants, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV on Monday, Tanko stated that the defection was a courageous move.
He explained that Obi and Kwankwaso’s defection to the NDC was necessitated by the toxic political environment.
He lamented that legal uncertainties and tight timelines in the ADC made their candidacy impossible, forcing a move to preserve democracy and opposition strength.
He said: “There is a toxic situation in our political system, but it was not directed at the ADC. So 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. This is the most important part of our current situation.
“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. Now, from the 4th of May to the 10th of May, you have only five days. From Monday the 4th to Friday the 8th.
“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.
“So you know it’s a trap for the candidacy of His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi and even the ADC themselves. That is why myself and all other ‘Obidients’ will wholeheartedly support His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and others to quickly find an exit point in order to defend our democracy.”
