Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of Obidient Movement Worldwide and former media aide to Peter Obi, disclosed that Obi’s “single‑tenure” proposal has been formally submitted to the burgeoning opposition coalition for review. The coalition spearheaded by figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El‑Rufai, and David Mark is reportedly assessing Obi’s plan for a single four‑year presidential term, which he is willing to commit to despite its absence in the constitution.
Tanko announced this development while Obi received dual chieftaincy titles, “Sarki Maskan” (War Hero) and “Dan Maje Babba Pantanmi”, from the Pantami community in Gombe. The honours, accompanied by commendation letters, recognised Obi’s consistent humanitarian efforts in the region.
During the ceremony, Tanko highlighted the integrity behind Obi’s single‑term pledge, stating, “What Nigeria needs now are leaders with integrity… Obi believes four years is more than enough to accomplish his mission.” He emphasised that stabilising electricity, for instance, alone could significantly transform the national economy.
Tanko also explained Obi’s acceptance of the traditional titles, an act previously resisted by him, as symbolic of his expanding acceptance in the North. Obi’s community projects, including boreholes and Almajiri school support, have reshaped local perception: “Locals now say, ‘Go fetch me water from Peter Obi’s borehole.’ That tells you something has changed”.
These developments come amid tensions within the coalition. Some stakeholders, including the South‑South/South‑West Alliance, have cautioned Obi and others to steer clear of El‑Rufai’s politics, describing his tactics as potentially harmful to their credibility. Meanwhile, critics like Senator Mudashiru Husain argue the Atiku‑Obi‑El‑Rufai alliance is driven by ambition rather than shared vision and lacks the cohesion needed to truly challenge President Tinubu.
As the coalition assesses Obi’s single‑term idea and works through internal dynamics, Tanko suggested that Obi’s recognition in Gombe signals a shifting political tide that could influence 2027’s electoral landscape.
