Speaking in a telephone interview with DAILY POST, Tanko described the report as false and misleading, alleging that those behind it are associates of a former Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure.

He said, “It’s false. It’s Abure’s boys circulating that nonsense. How can that even happen? How can they expel the owner of the movement, Peter Obi? Isn’t that funny?”

The report follows claims by a faction led by a self-acclaimed International Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Barry Avotu Johnson, who announced the alleged decision during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Johnson stated that the faction had not adopted any presidential candidate for the 2027 election and had also severed ties with the Labour Party.

He further claimed that the group had withdrawn recognition of certain individuals, including Peter Obi and Yunusa Tanko, declaring them expelled from both leadership and membership of the movement.

Obi, who recently moved from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), made the remark on Thursday during a visit to the University on the Niger, a faith-based institution, where he donated ₦25 million for its development.

Speaking with journalists, Obi said his frequent party changes were not motivated by convenience, but by crises and internal conflicts within political parties, which he claimed often affected him directly.

He explained that he left previous platforms, including the Labour Party, due to unresolved disputes and persistent internal challenges.

“I have never left any party for leaving’s sake. I leave when I see conflict and crisis,” he said, adding that many political parties are driven by the pursuit of power rather than democratic ideals.

According to him, opposition plays a critical role in governance and should be strengthened rather than weakened.

“If I were in government today, my biggest achievement would be to build a strong opposition, work with them, and embrace their constructive input,” Obi stated.

Responding to questions about his continuous philanthropic activities ahead of the 2027 elections, Obi said he would not divert funds into political logistics such as paying election agents.

He said Nigerians themselves must take responsibility for protecting their votes rather than relying on financial incentives.

“I’m spending money on education because I value the future of young people. I will not keep money to pay polling unit agents,” he said.

Addressing students, Obi urged them to take education seriously, stressing that it remains the foundation for success in business, politics, and life.

He advocated for a society where opportunity is not determined by connections, saying, “We want a country where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”

He also criticised the country’s value system, noting the disparity in earnings between political office holders and academics, describing it as unacceptable and part of what he aims to change.

The forms were delivered to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Recall that the forms were earlier picked up on Tuesday at the party’s national secretariat on Tinubu’s behalf by House of Representatives member James Faleke, following the payment of ₦100 million.

The documents were handed to Faleke by APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, shortly after the party opened sales for presidential aspirants seeking its ticket.

The development confirms Tinubu’s intention to seek a second term in office in 2027.

The formal submission ceremony is currently ongoing at the party’s national headquarters.

Speaking on the development, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said Tinubu’s decision to submit the forms reflects confidence in his performance and achievements, which he said qualify him for another term in office.