Obidient Movement Warns of Manipulation and Violence Ahead of 2027 Elections

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has raised serious concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that the polls could be characterized by large-scale manipulation and politically motivated violence. Tanko, who made the remarks during an interview with The Punch, attributed his fears to the ongoing wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the trend as a major threat to the country’s democracy and political stability.

According to Tanko, the increasing rate of defections is not a reflection of ideological alignment or shared political vision, but rather a desperate move by politicians seeking personal gain or protection. He argued that many of those crossing over to the APC are doing so under coercion or in an attempt to secure their political relevance ahead of the next election cycle. “None of these people who are actually defecting are doing so based on personal convictions. Either they are being coerced or they are trying to protect their seats, knowing full well that the next election may not be based on credibility or the people’s will,” he said.

Tanko emphasized that the trend exposes the fragile state of Nigeria’s political system, where loyalty is often driven by survival instincts rather than commitment to the electorate. He added that the defections are being orchestrated by forces within the ruling party who aim to weaken the opposition and consolidate control ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Defections, Political Intimidation, and Democratic Erosion

The Obidient Movement leader expressed deep concern over what he described as a systematic erosion of democratic values through the use of intimidation and manipulation by those in power. He noted that the ruling party’s strategy of absorbing opposition figures is part of a broader effort to stifle dissent and create a one-party system by 2027. “It will be heavily manipulated and violently induced—violently induced because of the modus operandi of the present holder of the office,” Tanko stated, alluding to the political climate under the current administration.

Tanko accused certain political actors within the APC of deploying state machinery to lure opposition politicians with promises of protection, political patronage, and access to state resources. He described this as an unhealthy development that undermines the principles of multiparty democracy and discourages political diversity. According to him, the pattern of defections is not about governance or public service but a race to align with power to escape political persecution or irrelevance.

“What you are seeing is not the will of the people; it is rather the intimidation and manipulation of the current holders of office,” Tanko lamented. “To them, that is politics, but to us, it is a distortion of our democratic essence.”

He argued that Nigeria’s democracy has been weakened by a political elite that prioritizes self-preservation over service. The Obidient Movement, which emerged as a citizen-driven platform advocating good governance, accountability, and people-centered leadership, views the ongoing defections as evidence of the deep-rooted moral and institutional decay in the political system.

Nigerians Will Respond in 2027, Says Tanko

Despite his concerns, Tanko expressed optimism that Nigerians are becoming increasingly politically aware and will respond decisively to these developments at the polls. He said the electorate is watching closely as politicians switch parties out of fear or personal ambition, warning that the people will “take their pound of flesh” in 2027.

“The government is in the hands of the people. They are watching, and they are listening. They will take their pound of flesh in 2027,” he declared. Tanko urged citizens not to lose faith in the democratic process but to channel their frustration into electoral participation and collective action.

He also called on civil society groups, the media, and pro-democracy organizations to intensify voter education and advocacy efforts in order to counter political manipulation. According to him, the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the active participation of the people in holding their leaders accountable.

Tanko warned that unless there is a concerted effort to address electoral malpractice and political intimidation, Nigeria risks sliding into an era where elections are mere formalities devoid of legitimacy. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its institutional independence and resist political pressure in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

A Call for Political Accountability and Reform

The Obidient Movement leader’s statement comes amid growing criticism of Nigeria’s political class, particularly following the outcome of the 2023 general elections, which many opposition groups claimed were marred by irregularities. Tanko’s remarks reflect the sentiments of many Nigerians who believe that political manipulation and electoral violence have become entrenched in the nation’s political culture.

He argued that the current political system rewards opportunism and punishes integrity, making it difficult for principled politicians to survive without aligning with the ruling establishment. “What we are witnessing today is a political culture where truth and integrity are sacrificed on the altar of power and personal gain,” he said.

Tanko emphasized that the Obidient Movement will continue to champion transparency, equity, and good governance as part of its broader mission to transform Nigeria’s political landscape. He reiterated that the movement’s commitment to citizen empowerment and democratic renewal remains unwavering, despite the challenges ahead.

“The struggle for a new Nigeria continues,” he said. “We are not deterred by the actions of those who seek to maintain the status quo. We will continue to mobilize Nigerians to demand accountability, justice, and credible leadership.”

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Tanko’s warning serves as a reminder of the high stakes facing Nigeria’s democracy. The wave of defections, the growing use of state influence for political advantage, and the threat of violence all point to a potentially contentious electoral cycle. Yet, for the Obidient Movement and its supporters, hope lies in the power of collective action—the belief that, ultimately, the people will decide their own fate through the ballot box.