Yunusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said he dumped Peter Obi to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) because he suffered betrayal despite serving with loyalty.

In an interview with SYMFONI TV after announcing his defection to the SDP, Mr Tanko, who coordinated the Obidient Movement, a political group named after Mr Obi, said he left the movement because he was betrayed and was no longer wanted in the group.

“The group did not want me. You don’t stay where you’re being tolerated; you go to where you’re being appreciated. The only thing I have suffered from that movement is betrayal of trust and loyalty,” Mr Tanko said.

When asked if his exit from the Obidient Movement was too early, Mr Tanko said, “I already stated in my resignation letter which I sent to His Excellency Peter Obi and Seriake Dickson, the issue of betrayal of trust and loyalty. I was loyal. This was the result I received and I thank God.”

Mr Tanko’s exit from the Obidient Movement is the latest in a series of departures by Mr Obi’s followers, who have left the group for other political parties.

He was announced as the SDP’s national presidential coordinator during the inauguration of the party’s campaign council in Abuja on Wednesday.