Stories  by Ahmed Akanbi

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has said that the political approach of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has established a new standard of financial discipline that directly challenges Nigeria’s entrenched money-driven politics.

Tanko made the assertion during a televised interview, where he reaffirmed the Obidient Movement’s commitment to Obi’s principles of accountability, transparency, discipline, and selfless leadership.

According to Tanko, money remains a factor in elections, but its outsized influence has damaged Nigeria’s democratic process and governance outcomes.

“We align ourselves strongly with the ideas and principles of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, who has consistently demonstrated a different approach to politics by challenging the dominance of a money-driven political system,” he said.

He noted that the Obidient Movement is not sustained by financial inducement, but by “a collective belief in good governance, reform-oriented leadership, and active citizenship.”

Highlighting Obi’s conduct during the 2023 presidential campaign, Tanko said the former Anambra State governor distinguished himself through transparency and prudent management of campaign resources.

Tanko disclosed that Obi, alongside activist Aisha Yesufu, hired an independent auditor to scrutinise all campaign finances.

“I was there when Aisha Yesufu and Peter Obi engaged the services of an independent auditor to review their campaign finances. They provided an account of every amount spent,” he said.

Tanko contrasted Obi’s approach with what he described as the absence of similar transparency among other major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The Obidient Movement coordinator expressed concern that excessive financial influence has weakened democratic values and public confidence in the electoral process.

He called for greater accountability in the management of campaign funds, and urged political actors to embrace openness as a core element of democratic governance.

“Obi’s emphasis on financial discipline and transparency has set a benchmark that should be emulated by other political leaders and aspirants seeking public office,” Tanko said.

He added that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends largely on “the emergence of leaders who place integrity, accountability, and service above the influence of money in politics.”