TDNigeria’s political landscape witnessed fresh controversy on Thursday as a newly unveiled political group known as the “#OBEDIENT Movement” announced its emergence.
The new group claimed ideological roots in the popular “#Obidient Movement” that supported the 2023 presidential ambition of Peter Obi.
The development comes amid growing tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the group announced the immediate disbandment of the former #Obidient Movement structure.
It declared the expulsion of Peter Obi, alongside prominent movement figure Yunusa Tanko and other officials.
It described the association as an “unauthorised leadership structure” that emerged after the 2023 elections.
Group Accuses Former Leaders of “Political Prostitution”
Those behind the move alleged that the original movement had been diverted from its founding ideals and transformed into a platform for “personal advantage and private gains.”
According to the organisation, the decision to rebrand from #Obidient to #OBEDIENT was aimed at distancing the movement from Peter Obi and his loyalists while preserving what they described as its original vision.
The International Coordinator of the newly unveiled movement, Barry Avotu Johnson, hailed the rebranding.
Johnson said the move became necessary because the core principles of the movement were no longer adequately represented by those who took control after the 2023 elections.
“The original vision and founding ideals of the movement have been compromised,” he said during the briefing.
No Presidential Candidate Yet
Johnson clarified that the #OBEDIENT Movement has not adopted any presidential candidate for the 2027 elections and currently has no political alliance with the Labour Party.
He insisted the group would operate independently while consulting stakeholders nationwide on its future political direction.
As of the time of filing this report, repeated calls, text messages, and WhatsApp inquiries sent to Peter Obi and Yunusa Tanko reportedly went unanswered.
Political observers say the development was designed to sow seed of discord and confusion in Peter Obi’s camp.
It was also meant to cause chaos within the political support base that emerged around Obi during the 2023 elections.
Potential Impact Ahead of 2027
Analysts believe the emergence of rival factions claiming ties to the Obidient political movement could:
- Create confusion among supporters
- Trigger internal ideological battles
- Influence opposition coalition negotiations ahead of 2027
The original Obidient Movement played a major role in mobilising young voters and urban political participation during the 2023 presidential election cycle.
“Obidients”, however, said the new movement is doomed to fail as it cannot gain traction among hungry and angry Nigerians.
This Dawn will continue monitoring reactions and developments surrounding the growing political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
