TDThe Obidient Movement Worldwide has issued a strong rebuttal to recent comments attributed to retired Justice Isa Salami on the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Justice Salami had claimed that the Labour Party presidential candidate was “unqualified” to contest the 2023 presidential election.
In a statement signed by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, spokesperson for the movement, the remarks were described as misleading, legally unfounded, and an attempt to distort settled judicial matters.
Clarifications to Salami from the Movement
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Supreme Court Decision:
The movement emphasized that Nigeria’s highest court had already ruled on Obi’s candidacy, affirming his legitimacy as the Labour Party’s flagbearer.
According to Tanko, the issue of qualification was thoroughly litigated, and the courts did not disqualify Obi on the grounds of party membership.
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Party Membership Autonomy:
Tanko stressed that party membership is an internal affair.
The Labour Party granted Obi a waiver and submitted his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“No external body or individual has the locus standi to dictate who a party registers as its member,” the statement read.
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Timing of Salami Remarks:
The movement questioned why Justice Salami’s comments are surfacing now, long after the elections and judicial reviews have concluded.
“We must ask: what is the motive behind trying to rewrite history and cast doubt on a candidacy that inspired millions of Nigerians?” Tanko asked.
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Judicial Reform Over Distraction:
Rather than revisiting Obi’s candidacy, Tanko urged focus on reforming Nigeria’s judiciary, citing Salami’s own criticisms of incompetence within the system.
“The tragedy of our judicial system should be the real subject of national debate, not a settled matter regarding Peter Obi,” he added.
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Clarification on PDP Primaries:
The statement also corrected Salami’s claim that Obi participated in PDP primaries, stressing that he never did.
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Integrity Record:
Obi’s track record was highlighted—
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- successful private businesses,
- no criminal record, and,
- ₦75 billion left in Anambra State coffers as governor.
“He has no forgery or drug-related issues associated with him. Yet, the judge preferred to celebrate criminality over credibility.
“This is the level to which Nigeria has descended. Very sad indeed,” Tanko lamented.
The Movement’s Stand
Dr. Tanko reaffirmed to Salami that Peter Obi remains the symbol of hope for a New Nigeria.
He insists that his candidacy was valid, legitimate, and widely supported by millions of Nigerians who are tired of the status quo.
“We will not be distracted by retrospective opinions that hold no legal weight.
“Our eyes remain on the prize: building a nation where competence, character, and capacity lead the way,” the statement read.
The Obidient Movement concluded by urging supporters to remain focused, peaceful, and resolute, declaring: “A New Nigeria is still POssible!”
The response underscores the movement’s determination to defend Obi’s legitimacy from antagonists such as Justice Salami.
It also underscores shifting national attention toward systemic judicial reform and the broader struggle for accountability in governance.
