The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, has urged Nigerian youths to rally behind credible political leaders to rescue the country from deepening socio-economic and political crises.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on Monday, Yunusa said young Nigerians, especially those who supported Peter Obi, must actively participate in mainstream politics rather than remaining on the sidelines.
He noted that while many youths have mobilised effectively to hold leaders accountable, meaningful change can only occur through gaining and responsibly exercising political power.
Defending the coalition involving Obi and other established politicians, Yunusa acknowledged that although some coalition members have disappointed the country in the past, collaboration is necessary to secure power and implement transformative ideas.
He stressed that idealism without practical political participation would yield little, and called on youths to connect their ideas with those of the older generation to achieve positive change.
Yunusa maintained that Peter Obi’s involvement in the coalition does not compromise his ideals but rather aligns him with leaders determined to end hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship in Nigeria.
He insisted that Nigerians cannot continue to live under worsening conditions, urging citizens to come together to effect change from within the political system instead of remaining perpetual activists.
His comments came days after several key opposition figures gathered at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where they formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the political platform for a new opposition coalition aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
During the meeting on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, ADC’s Ralph Nwosu handed over the party’s leadership to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, who were introduced as interim national chairman and national secretary, respectively.
The event was attended by prominent politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Solomon Dalung, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Emeka Ihedioha, and retired Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
