Good leaders must understand that leadership is not always about leading. Sometimes, good leadership requires following, learning, supporting others and remaining committed to a collective vision. If you insist on leading all the time, when will you learn the discipline, humility and responsibility that come with following?
Good leaders do not abandon a cause simply because leadership arrangements or personal expectations do not align with their ambitions. The cause must always be bigger than the individual.
For me, walking away from Peter Obi, for anyone who genuinely believes in the struggle for a New Nigeria, is like attempting to walk away from one’s own shadow. Peter Obi represents a rare gift to humanity, and Nigeria is fortunate to have someone of his character and convictions at a time when many Nigerians have become increasingly sceptical about the possibility of finding principled politicians.
Dr. Tanko had served within the Obidient Movement for approximately three years. His resignation as Special Adviser on Northern Affairs to Mr Peter Obi, rather than marking the end of his contribution, should ordinarily have provided another opportunity to deepen grassroots mobilisation, strengthen community engagement and expand the movement’s political reach across Northern Nigeria.
I expected Dr. Tanko to seize that opportunity and hit the ground running. Leadership is not confined to holding an official title or occupying a privileged position. Some of the most consequential political contributions happen outside formal offices, through grassroots organisation, persuasion, sacrifice and sustained commitment to a common cause.
Unfortunately, that opportunity does not appear to have translated into the kind of grassroots engagement I expected.
On the emergence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso alongside Peter Obi under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), I consider it a significant political convergence between Northern and Southern Nigeria. It represents an opportunity to build a broader national coalition around competence, inclusion, national unity and the collective aspiration for a New Nigeria.
Kwankwaso brings his own political identity, grassroots network and organic followership, particularly among the Kwankwasiyya movement. It would therefore be unrealistic for anyone to underestimate his political influence or assume that Northern political engagement must revolve around individual ambitions rather than the collective interest.
The Obidient Movement and Kwankwasiyya movement have an opportunity to complement one another. Their convergence should be about building a stronger national movement, not competing over political ownership, influence or leadership recognition.
However, I must acknowledge that belonging to a political party, supporting a political movement or associating with a particular politician remains a matter of personal choice. Nobody should be compelled to follow a political leader against their convictions.
But as far as I am concerned, I do not have to struggle to identify with Peter Obi because his political agenda captures the very essence of my aspiration for Nigeria. My commitment is not about a political appointment, personal recognition or access to power. It is about the Nigeria agenda.
I believe in a country where leadership is measured by service, public resources are managed responsibly, institutions work, opportunities are accessible and citizens are treated with dignity.
That is the Nigeria agenda I see reflected in Peter Obi’s political vision.
People may come and go, political alliances may change, and leadership positions may be redistributed, but the struggle for a better Nigeria must remain constant.
**I am not in this struggle because of what Peter Obi can give me. I am in it because of what I believe Nigeria can become under the kind of leadership he represents.**
For me, the destination remains bigger than the individuals involved.
**A New Nigeria is POssible! ✌️✊**
Akor Christian Oche (Due Process)
National Youth Leader, Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM)
