Former National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has accused associates of Peter Obi of betraying his trust and loyalty, insisting that he was forced out of the former presidential candidate’s political camp.

Tanko spoke on Thursday shortly after he was unveiled as the coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said his departure from Obi’s camp was not voluntary, maintaining that he had remained committed to serving the former Anambra State governor until those around him made his continued involvement untenable.

Tanko was appointed national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024 following an agreement to zone the position to the North. He was subsequently redeployed as Obi’s political adviser on Northern affairs, a position he held until October 30, when he resigned.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding his exit, Tanko said he had no regrets about his service to Obi but could not remain in an organisation where his contributions were no longer appreciated.

He said, “As you move along in politics, there may be a time when your group does not want you, does not need you or does not appreciate what you do.

“You don’t stay where you are being tolerated; you go where you are appreciated.

“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate all the work I have done, and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity. But the only thing I have suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust and betrayal of loyalty.”

Despite his grievances, Tanko maintained that he continued to hold Obi in high regard, insisting that he discharged his responsibilities with diligence, honesty and integrity.

He, however, suggested that his new political associates had recognised his worth after what he described as being discarded by his former political circle.

“But now, since they don’t want me, people who appreciate me have picked me from the dustbin and made me a bride,” he said.

Asked whether Obi would be comfortable with his decision to join another political platform, Tanko said he could not speak for the former governor or speculate about his reaction.

On the possibility of opposition parties adopting a consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election, the former Obidient coordinator said his position would depend on the decision of his new principal.

He nevertheless expressed optimism that his political involvement would contribute to national development and a better Nigeria.

Tanko declined to disclose the specific disagreements that triggered his departure from Obi’s camp, saying he intended to provide a fuller account in a forthcoming book.

“You may have to wait until I publish my book,” he said.

He also disclosed that his resignation letter had been sent to Obi and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) national leader, Seriake Dickson, adding that the correspondence contained details of his grievances.

Dismissing suggestions that he had abandoned the Obidient Movement too late ahead of the 2027 elections, Tanko insisted that he was not the one who initiated his departure.

“No, I didn’t exit. I was exited. I was exited,” he declared.

He added that his commitment to Nigeria’s progress remained unchanged, regardless of the political platform through which he pursued it.