Obidients clarify Atiku comments, saying their outrage targets Nigeria’s dollarised primaries, not the former Vice President.
Obidients clarify Atiku comments as not personal but a broader indictment of Nigeria’s heavily monetised party primaries, in a bid to reset the narrative surrounding recent criticisms of political money games.
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Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, addressed the issue in an interview with The PUNCH, stating that remarks attributed to their camp were being misconstrued as an attack on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
“Our statement was never about Atiku in isolation,” said Tanko. “We are addressing a systemic failure — where primaries are no longer issue-based but are decided by how much money one can throw at delegates, often in dollars.”
Tanko stressed that Peter Obi stands opposed to such practices and would never participate in dollarised delegate inducement, which has become routine in Nigeria’s internal party processes.
“Mr Obi has always stood for clean politics,” he said. “He will never be part of a primary election where money, not merit, determines the outcome.”
The clarification follows Atiku’s BBC Hausa interview, where the former Vice-President said he would step down from the 2027 presidential race if defeated at the primaries by a younger aspirant. The comments triggered speculation and reactions across political camps.
Tanko maintained that Obi and Atiku have a cordial relationship, describing it as “excellent.” He added that Atiku has frequently reached out to Obi to discuss possible collaboration.
“We have very deep respect for Alhaji Atiku,” Tanko said. “But what we are campaigning against is a political culture where delegates are bought.
That culture is what has locked out many credible young Nigerians who lack access to public funds.”
According to the Obidient camp, the rot in the system affects all parties and discourages young, visionary leaders from entering the race.
Tanko lamented the influence of “transactional politics,” stating that the cost of securing delegates has reached an all-time high.
“Primaries today are dominated by dollarisation and inducement. How can we inspire new entrants into politics if they must compete by buying votes?” he asked.
Former senator Shehu Sani also waded into the debate, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that beating Atiku at any party’s primary would be nearly impossible due to the loyalty of party delegates.
Sani wrote, “It’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to beat the Waziri in primaries. Party delegates are a special breed of people.”
Tanko concluded by saying the Obidient movement remains committed to issue-based politics, rooted in transparency, accountability, and a rejection of the old order.
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“We will not stop challenging the system. Not individuals — but the practices that continue to damage our democracy,” he said.
