Tanko made the remarks during the National Obidient Movement Aspirants Summit held at Chelsea Hotel on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The event, which was aired by TV Platinum, brought together aspirants, political stakeholders and supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the gathering, Tanko recalled criticisms directed at the Obidient Movement during the 2023 presidential election, particularly claims that the movement lacked political structure. “Remember in 2023, the general election, what they told us that we do not have structures,” he said.
According to him, the turnout at the summit was evidence that the movement now possesses an organized and visible grassroots network across Nigeria.
“But today, the major reason we are converging here is for you to see these people physically and tell me whether we have structure or we don't have structure,” Tanko stated.
He emphasized that supporters of the movement exist beyond online platforms and are actively participating in political organizing on the ground. “These people are not on the social media, they are physical with you here, all of them,” he added.
Tanko also disclosed that he had received a comprehensive list of leaders associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement across all states of the federation, suggesting growing cooperation between political groups.
“And today also, I was privileged to have been handed over the list of all the Kwankwasiyya leaders in every state of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the collaboration between both political blocs would help advance their shared political goals ahead of the next election cycle. “These people who have worked tirelessly for our collective interests will synergize together to usher in a new Nigeria of our dreams,” Tanko stated.
The Obidient Movement coordinator further explained that the summit was organized as part of a commitment to properly assess and screen aspirants seeking elective offices under the movement’s political direction.
“This particular congregation was a promise that I made on a Zoom meeting that we will screen every of our candidates that want to run for election with these both gentlemen,” he said.
Tanko noted that the move became necessary after what he described as the experience of 2023, when some politicians allegedly abandoned the movement after benefiting from its support.
“In 2023, many people ran under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, and when they ran, they also ran away,” he said.
He added that the leadership of the movement does not want a repeat of that situation in future elections. “His Excellency did not want that repeat situation,” Tanko explained.
While stressing that the summit was not intended for endorsements, he assured supporters that credible candidates would be carefully selected ahead of the elections.
“This is not a hall for endorsement, but I can assure you, credible Nigerians who want to run for election, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi will make sure that the right people that will not run away with him will remain in that particular ministry,” he stated.
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