Peter Obi Urged to Step Up After Longtime Ally Yunusa Tanko’s Departure

Peter Obi’s political appeal remains strong, but a prominent commentator argues that he must do more to keep trusted allies close after Dr Yunusa Tanko left the Obidient Movement. Tanko, who once coordinated the group, has moved to lead the presidential campaign council of Prince Adewole Adebayo’s Social Democratic Party, a decision that reportedly surprised observers. In an opinion piece, Donu Kogbara recalled Tanko as one of Obi’s most devoted supporters. She said he had not publicly attacked his former political ally and had acknowledged the support he received while they worked together. Kogbara added that Tanko had seemed gentlemanly and loyal when she interviewed him on her online programme, Opposition Unleashed. She said she could not know what led him to leave, but described the breakdown of their relationship as troubling. Kogbara rejected claims by Obi’s critics that Tanko’s departure proves the politician is difficult to work with in private. She noted that other major political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu, have also lost supporters. She cited the conflict between Atiku and Nyesom Wike, along with disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party, as examples of political relationships that have come apart. The writer nevertheless argued that Obi has a distinctive public profile. She said that during trips to the United Kingdom, the United States, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Rwanda, people interested in Nigeria repeatedly asked her about him. In her view, that attention reflects his ability to draw crowds and connect with people at home and abroad. Kogbara’s central point is that Obi remains a compelling political figure, but the loss of a longtime ally raises questions about how he manages relationships within his movement. She presents the departure as a setback, not proof that his public appeal has vanished, and argues that retaining supporters will matter as he seeks to maintain his influence.