Obi, Kwankwaso’s Defection To NDC Is Courageous — Tanko Speaks Out

Tanko said the move was triggered by what he called a hostile and unstable political environment, arguing that ongoing legal and structural challenges within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) made it difficult for the politicians to effectively pursue their ambitions.

Speaking on Monday during an interview with Arise News, he maintained that the decision was aimed at safeguarding democratic participation and strengthening opposition politics ahead of the next general elections.

He stated that efforts had allegedly been made in the past to frustrate Obi’s political ambitions across different platforms, insisting that the situation within the ADC had become particularly difficult.

Tanko further argued that the Supreme Court’s handling of the ADC leadership dispute, which directed the matter back to the Federal High Court, created a tight and impractical timeline for political actors ahead of key electoral deadlines.

He explained that with only a few days between court processes and election-related submissions, the situation placed aspirants in a difficult position, describing it as a political and legal “trap” that limited fair participation.

According to him, this reality made it necessary for Obi, Kwankwaso, and their supporters to seek an alternative platform.

He also dismissed suggestions that Obi’s exit was driven by fear of internal competition, insisting that the decision was based on broader democratic considerations rather than personal advantage.