Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigerian political space came under more tension on Thursday with the immediate disbandment of the #Obidient Movement and expulsion of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, one his disciples, Yunusa Tanko and “all other persons appointed under the unauthorised leadership structure that emerged after the 2023 elections.”
Those behind the sacking premises the decision on political prostitution and its misuse for personal advantage and private gains.
Consequently, the organisation has been rebranded to #OBEDIENT Movement, to disengage it from Obi and his loyalists.
Several calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages to Obi and Yunusa were not replied.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to unveil the organisation, the International Coordinator of the #OBEDIENT Movement, Dr Barry Avotu Johnson, clarified that it has not yet adopted any presidential candidate for 2027 and has ceased to have any dealings with Labour Party.
According to him, the rebranding was necessary because after the 2023 elections, the original vision and founding ideals of the #Obidient Movement were no longer being adequately represented by those who assumed control of its structure.
He said, “Today, we have come to inform the world that the original founders and custodians of the true Obedient Movement Worldwide have resolved to reclaim the movement and return it to the people.
“This movement belongs to the people. It belongs to the streets. It belongs to the youths. It belongs to the workers. It belongs to every Nigerian who believes that this country must move forward. Accordingly, we hereby announce the formal disbandment of the previous leadership structure associated with the movement as it existed after the 2023 elections.
“Effective immediately, the movement is entering a new era of rebranding, restructuring, reconciliation, and renewed vision ahead of the 2027 general elections. From this day forward, the world should take note that a New Obedient Movement Worldwide Agenda has begun.”
He also announced Mallam Nasir Baba was the Secretary of the Movement, while other departmental heads, state coordinators, regional executives, and global representatives shall be announced in due course as consultations continue.
Johnson called on all members across the 774 Local Government Areas, the 36 states, the FCT, and Nigerians in the diaspora to remain calm, focused, and united.
Speaking on good governance, Johnson called on the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all Nigerians are given a fair democratic space ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said “We respectfully urge the authorities to review all cases involving persons detained in connection with the EndSARS protests, the End-bad governance protesters arrested and declared wanted by the Police Force, and to strengthen confidence in democratic freedoms and civil rights.
“We equally call on opposition leaders across Nigeria to understand that national progress requires unity of purpose. No single individual should define the destiny of Nigeria. The future of our democracy must be built on institutions, ideas, leadership competence, and the collective will of the people.
“Furthermore, in line with our commitment to accountability, transparency, and organizational integrity, we hereby declare that all individuals who assumed leadership positions or acted on behalf of the movement without the consent of its original founders are no longer recognized in any capacity.”
He also shed light on the formation of the defunct Obidient Movement in 2022.
Johnson said, “In 2022, we founded the Obedient Movement Worldwide as a political association built on the dreams, sacrifices, and aspirations of millions of Nigerians, young and old, men and women who desired a better nation.
“Our vision from the beginning was clear: to create a united platform that would produce responsible leaders for Nigeria in every sphere of life, including politics, democracy, economic development, social justice, and nation-building. This movement did not emerge from nowhere.
“It was born from the spirit of civic awakening that followed the EndSARS Movement, particularly from the activities and youth mobilization witnessed here in Abuja and across the country.
“From that civic energy, we sought to institutionalize democratic participation through the Nigeria Youth Democratic Party (NYDP). Though our efforts at official registration with INEC in 2022 were unsuccessful, we remained resolute in our commitment to democratic progress.
“In the build-up to the 2023 elections, and in the spirit of political collaboration, the movement aligned with the National Rescue Movement (NRM) but later pulled out from a broken agreement with the then management and joined the Labour Party and participated actively in the electioneering process under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, following the signing of the Not Too Young To Run Bill into law.
“At that time, the movement adopted Mr. Peter Obi as its preferred presidential candidate for the 2023 presidential election, and in recognition of his candidacy, the identity of the movement evolved in public discourse into the popular campaign expression known as “Obidient.”
Friday Olokor, Abuja
