THE Obidient Movement has dismissed the emergence of “unauthorised groups and parallel structures” operating under similar names, cautioning that such actions were aimed at causing confusion within its ranks and among the public.
The movement, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, said it has not authorised any faction, sub-group or alternative leadership outside its officially recognised structure aligned with its principal, Peter Obi.
It stressed that any individuals or organisations using derivative or misleading identities to suggest affiliation do not represent its leadership, values or objectives and urged the public, supporters across Nigeria and the Diaspora and media organisations to be cautious and disregard any communication or structure not issued through its official channels.
According to the statement, the movement remains a unified, people-driven platform anchored on accountability, justice, integrity and a shared vision for national renewal, warning that attempts to exploit the movement’s name or popularity for personal or political gain would not distract it from its core mission or its engagement with Nigerians.
The statement noted: “We urge all Obidients to remain focused, united and guided only by authentic communications from the recognised leadership,” even as it reaffirmed that its vision for a “New Nigeria” remained unchanged and continues to guide its activities and outreach
Recall that a faction claiming ownership of the movement, on Thursday, May 7, announced the immediate disbandment of the #Obidient Movement and expulsion of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, and Tanko, as well as “all other persons appointed under the unauthorised leadership structure that emerged after the 2023 elections.”
The group’s leaders accused the duo of political prostitution and misuse for personal advantage and private gains, saying it had been rebranded to #OBEDIENT Movement, to disengage it from Obi and his loyalists.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the International Coordinator of the #OBEDIENT Movement, Barry Avotu Johnson, explained that it was yet to adopt any presidential candidate for the coming elections and had ceased to have any dealings with LP.
Johnson stated that the rebranding became 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.
According to him: “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, the streets, youths, workers and 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.”
Johnson also announced Nasir Baba as Secretary of the movement, while other departmental heads, state coordinators, regional executives and global representatives shall be announced in due course as consultations continue.
He urged all members across the 774 local councils, the 36 states, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nigerians in the Diaspora to remain calm, focused, and united.
Johnson recalled: “In 2022, we founded the Obidient 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 mobilisation witnessed here in Abuja and across the country.
“From that civic energy, we sought to institutionalise 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 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.”
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