ABUJA — Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement and a key ally of Peter Obi, has formally switched allegiance to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), accepting appointment as National Coordinator of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, by SDP National Chairman Professor Abubakar Sadiq Gombe during the inauguration of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja. Tanko will coordinate the presidential campaign of the SDP’s candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo.
Tanko, who played a prominent role in mobilising support for Obi during the 2023 presidential election, confirmed that he had earlier resigned as Political Adviser on Northern Nigeria to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate. He tendered the resignation on October 30, 2026, stating that he was returning to the National Consultative Front, where he serves as co-chairman.
In his acceptance speech, Tanko expressed appreciation to the SDP leadership for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work diligently with Adebayo and party stakeholders to secure victory in 2027. He described the SDP as a left-wing, people-oriented party committed to defending the interests of disadvantaged Nigerians.
“I tendered my resignation on the 30th of October 2026 as the political advisor to His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, to represent Northern Nigeria. I have since reached out to His Excellency Mr Peter Obi and the National Leader of the National Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson,” Tanko said.
Tanko’s move follows his removal as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement on October 1, 2026, when Obi reassigned him to the Northern adviser role. Reports at the time indicated some dissatisfaction within his camp over the change, which some supporters viewed as a demotion after years of loyalty.
The development marks another notable realignment within Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 polls. Tanko previously served as spokesman and media director for Obi’s Labour Party presidential campaign in 2023 and has a long history in opposition politics, including a stint as Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council and a 2019 presidential run under the National Conscience Party.
SDP Chairman Gombe urged members of the newly inaugurated campaign council to approach their responsibilities with seriousness, stressing the need for a coordinated effort to unseat the incumbent administration.
The appointment places Tanko in a strategic position to leverage his organisational experience and networks as the SDP intensifies preparations for the presidential contest.
About the Author
