TDThe Obidient Movement has strongly condemned the appointment of Theo Abu Agada as Director of New Media and Strategic Communications by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Movement described the decision as “a direct insult to Peter Obi, the Obidient Movement, and millions of Nigerians who stand for competence, character, justice, accountability, and people-centred politics.”
Karigwe’s Statement
In a press release signed by Karigwe (Prophet of Thoughts), the movement rejected Agada’s appointment.
They cited his history of hostility towards Peter Obi and Obidients.
The statement highlighted that Agada had:
- Publicly insulted Peter Obi’s supporters.
- Questioned Obi’s capacity and portrayed him as a threat to free speech.
- Recklessly accused Obidients of extremism.
- Claimed Obi had “unleashed IPOB supporters on Nigerians,” a remark described as dangerous and defamatory.
Karigwe argued that no serious political party would appoint someone with such a record to a sensitive communications role. He questioned whether NDC would ever appoint someone who had disparaged Rabiu Kwankwaso into a similar position and expect the Kwankwasiyya Movement to accept it.
The statement also raised concerns about the role of Tanko Yunusa, leader of the Obidient Movement, accusing him of failing to protect the movement’s interests across multiple party alignments — from Labour Party to ADC, and now NDC.
Karigwe demanded:
- Immediate reversal of Agada’s appointment.
- A public explanation from NDC leadership.
- A formal apology to Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement.
- A commitment that no known critic of Obi or Obidients will hold sensitive communication roles.
- A clear explanation from Tanko Yunusa on his leadership role and accountability.
Nefertiti’s Intervention
Adding to the backlash, prominent Obidient voice Nefertiti issued a separate statement on X, describing both Theo Abu Agada and Brian Dennis as “misfits” and “political jobbers” unfit to run NDC’s media communications.
She accused the party of disdain for Obidients and warned that appointing individuals with no electoral value and a history of hostility towards Peter Obi exposes NDC to attacks from all quarters.
Nefertiti wrote:
- “Both cannot win their polling units. They are errand boys to Abuja politicians; they have zero electoral values.”
- She emphasized that almost everyone on political Twitter has blocked them, branding them “pariahs.”
- She accused NDC of being enmeshed in corruption allegations across the country and warned that the party risks alienating its strongest support base.
Her statement concluded with a call for NDC to “course correct” and restore morals and values in Nigerian politics, stressing that the party’s current trajectory suggests it is not serious about winning the 2027 elections.
Implications
The twin interventions from Karigwe and Nefertiti highlight growing discontent within the Obidient Movement over NDC’s internal decisions.
Analysts note that the controversy could deepen mistrust between the party leadership and its largest support base, potentially weakening its grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027.
The appointment of Theo Abu Agada has now become a flashpoint, raising questions about NDC’s political strategy, its respect for Peter Obi, and the effectiveness of Tanko Yunusa’s leadership of the Obidient Movement.
Key Takeaway: The Obidient Movement has drawn a red line — demanding respect, accountability, and reversal of appointments that undermine its values.
With voices like Karigwe and Nefertiti leading the charge, the NDC faces mounting pressure to reconsider its decision and rebuild trust with its most influential support base.
