TD A group of aggrieved supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidients, has rejected what it described as a call for blanket “NDC top-to-bottom” voting, insisting that supporters should assess candidates individually based on their competence, track records and manifestos.
The group made its position known in a statement issued in Lagos following Peter Obi’s recent dinner with NDC candidates in Lagos State.
According to the group, a blanket endorsement of all NDC candidates fails to address unresolved grievances among some Obidient aspirants and supporters who believe their political mandates were undermined within the party structure.
The aggrieved supporters alleged that internal disagreements and what they described as “injustice” and “mandate theft” had compelled some Obidient aspirants to leave the NDC and seek alternative platforms from which to contest elections.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the ideals of good governance, accountability and people-centred leadership that Mr. Peter Obi has long championed,” the statement said.
The group, however, argued that loyalty to Obi or any political party should not prevent voters from independently assessing candidates.
“Blind block voting that ignores the character, capacity and concrete plans of those seeking office is neither progressive nor democratic,” it stated.
Group Defends Defection of Obidient Aspirants
The group also defended the decision of some Obidient-aligned aspirants to leave the NDC, saying their departure should not be interpreted as betrayal.
It described the move as a response to internal processes that the affected aspirants considered unfair and exclusionary.
The group argued that compelling supporters to vote for every candidate on a party’s ticket, regardless of individual qualifications, could amount to rewarding the same practices that allegedly forced some aspirants out of the party.
“We urge every Obidient and every Nigerian voter to evaluate candidates strictly on the strength of their manifestos, track records and demonstrable capacity to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of the people,” the statement added.
According to the group, voting should be based on the quality of candidates rather than party affiliation.
“The electorate deserves leaders who will prioritise competence over party colour. Voting should never be reduced to a loyalty test,” it said.
Calls for Resolution of Internal Grievances
The group called on Obi and the NDC leadership to address the concerns raised by aggrieved members and aspirants instead of relying solely on appeals for unified support for the party’s candidates.
It maintained that, until the issues are transparently addressed, Obidients have the democratic right to support candidates they believe best represent the values of integrity, competence and public service, regardless of their political platform.
“Our movement was built on the demand for a new Nigeria.
“That demand cannot be satisfied by automatic endorsement of any party’s entire slate.
“We will continue to vote for the best candidates, wherever they may be found,” the statement said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics, while urging political stakeholders to respect voters’ right to independently assess candidates.
The statement was signed electronically by Comrade Afolabi Thompson Benerld, Dr. Theophilus Anene Nwaeke, Olobayo Timothy Akindele, Esq., and Dr. Godfrey Nelson, who identified themselves as spokespersons for the aggrieved Obidients.
The claims and allegations contained in the statement represent the position of the group and have not been independently verified.
