The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has officially announced the appointment of Yunusa Tanko, formerly a spokesperson for Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and a past National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, as the National Coordinator for its Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The formal unveiling of Tanko occurred on Wednesday, November 11, during the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council at the SDP national secretariat in Abuja. The event saw the presence of the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, alongside other notable figures from the Julius Abure-led faction of the party.
Tanko's Departure From Peter Obi's Orbit
This significant appointment follows Yunusa Tanko's recent resignation as Obi's Political Adviser for Northern Nigeria. He had only briefly held this advisory role, having been removed from his position as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement by Obi in October 2026. Tanko publicly announced his resignation from the advisory role on October 30, 2026, stating his intention to return to the National Consultative Front (NCFront), where he serves as co-chairman alongside Prof. Pat Utomi. He assumed the NCFront leadership role on October 18, filling the vacancy created by the passing of former House of Representatives Speaker Ghali Na'Abba, who had previously co-chaired the organisation.
In his acceptance speech on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Tanko extended his gratitude to the SDP leadership and pledged his full commitment to the party's presidential candidate, Prince Adewale Adebayo.
Tanko underscored the ideological foundation of his new party, stating: "The SDP is a left-wing political party. For those of you who do not know, we represent the interests of the downtrodden. The SDP represents those people that you neglect on the streets. So, that makes this particular party people-oriented."
He further conveyed his appreciation: "I express my profound gratitude and sincere appreciation to Almighty Allah for making this historic event possible. I equally thank the leadership of the Social Democratic Party for the confidence and repose in me by appointing me as the National Coordinator of the SDP Presidential Campaign Organisation for the 2027 Presidential Election."
Tanko Explains His Rationale For The Move
Tanko clarified that prior to accepting his new role, he had communicated with both Obi and NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson. He described his relationship with Prince Adewale Adebayo as one that dates back to the 2023 election cycle. "This is not a mistake in history. When you go back into history, you will see my warm relationship with him way back in 2023. So this is a relationship that has long been built," he explained.
Yunusa Tanko's political career has seen several significant shifts. He served as Obi's spokesman and media director for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation during the 2023 elections. In September 2024, Obi appointed him as the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement globally. Prior to this, he chaired the Inter-Party Advisory Council in 2015 and subsequently contested the 2019 presidential election under the National Conscience Party.
His departure from Obi's political circle mirrors a similar recent move by another former loyalist, Nana Kazaure, who left the NDC presidential campaign to join the team of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
The video confirming Tanko's move to the SDP can be viewed on X.
Prophetess Issues Warning To Peter Obi
In related news, Prophetess Bright Ndibunwa, known as Bright The Seer and founder of The Lord of Hosts Miracle Chapel, previously prophesied that Peter Obi could be involved in a vehicle accident. In a video shared on Facebook and reviewed, the Nigerian cleric also predicted a fire resulting from the potential crash involving the presidential hopeful.
Bright The Seer gained notable attention following her accurate prophecy regarding President Tinubu's victory in the 2023 election. Her influence extends across social media, where she engages with her followers through prophecies, prayers, and inspirational messages.