The Obidient Movement Worldwide National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, says Peter Obi is the most popular presidential aspirant because he is “running independently without another support”.

Speaking on ‘Eagle 102.5 FM’, Ilese Ijebu, yesterday, he said Obi’s appeal cuts across the regions and continues to grow despite the ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election. According to him, popularity in Nigerian politics is no longer defined by institutional backing alone, but by the ability to mobilise mass following across different social and regional divides.

Tanko said despite criticism and political resistance, Obi’s influence remains visible across the country, particularly among young people and first-time voters, who have continued to identify with his political message and leadership style. He insisted that no other aspirant currently matches the National Democratic Congress (NDC) chief’s level of mass mobilisation. Tanko said: “At the moment, the most popular candidate in Nigeria today is Peter Obi. “Go and verify.

And he is a southerner, go and verify. The most popular aspirant of southern extraction is Peter Obi. That is the reason why everywhere he goes, they are always trying to bring him down.” He said Obi’s political visibility is not accidental but a reflection of sustained grassroots engagements.

According to him, political popularity should be measured not only by party structures but also by the emotional and civic connection between a candidate and voters. Tanko said the attempts to downplay Obi’s influence are often responses to his growing political relevance rather than a reflection of diminishing support.

According to him, Obi continues to maintain a strong advantage due to widespread identification with his message of accountability, governance reform, and citizen-focused leadership. He explained that Obi’s support base lies in its structureless but highly mobilised nature, which allows rapid expansion across different regions and demographics.

Tanko said: “Let me confirm to you that Peter Obi is running independently without any other support, just like he did in 2023. “The Kwankwasiyya Movement is joining the Obidient Movement in supporting him. It’s a coalition. It’s an agreement. Let’s work together.”