A faction claiming ownership of the Obidient Movement has announced the immediate expulsion of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and his ally Yunusa Tanko, accusing them of turning the movement into a platform for “political prostitution” and personal gain ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, which announced a sweeping reorganisation of the movement at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, declared the immediate disbandment of the existing leadership structure associated with Obi following the 2023 elections. The organisation has since been rebranded from the “Obidient Movement” to the “OBEDIENT Movement” to distance itself from Obi and his loyalists.
Speaking at the briefing, the International Coordinator of the rebranded group, Dr Barry Avotu Johnson, said the decision was necessary because the original vision and founding ideals of the movement were no longer being adequately represented by those who assumed control after the 2023 elections. “We are here today to inform the world that the Obidient Movement has been reclaimed by its true founders and custodians,” Johnson stated. “This movement belongs to the people, the youth, workers, and every Nigerian who believes the country must move forward.”
Johnson further clarified that the rebranded movement has not adopted any presidential candidate for the 2027 elections and has severed all ties with the Labour Party. “The original ideals of the movement are no longer adequately represented by the persons who took over its leadership after the elections,” he added. Nasir Baba was announced as the Secretary of the rebranded movement, with additional leadership roles expected to be filled in the coming weeks.
However, the Obidient Movement leadership loyal to Obi has swiftly dismissed the announcement, describing it as an attempt to create confusion around the movement’s identity. In a telephone conversation with Daily Post, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, reacted with disbelief, calling the purported expulsion false. “It’s false. It’s Abure’s boys circulating that nonsense,” Tanko said. “How can that even happen? How can they sack the owner of the Movement? Isn’t that funny?”
In a formal statement issued later, Tanko further clarified that the Obidient Movement recognises no parallel structure, faction, or alternative leadership outside its established framework aligned with Peter Obi. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Obidient Movement recognises no parallel structure, faction, or alternative leadership outside its established and recognised leadership framework aligned with His Excellency, Peter Obi,” the statement read. “The public, media, supporters from Nigeria and the diaspora, and all related parties have been informed that any group using a similar or disguised identity does not represent the Obidient Movement, its principles, and leaders.”
The movement urged all Obidients to remain focused and united, relying solely on communications from its officially recognised leadership. “Attempts to create confusion, misrepresent the movement’s identity, or exploit its growing influence for ulterior interests will not distract us from our mission and ongoing engagement with Nigerians across all levels,” the statement added. “The vision of a New Nigeria remains alive, clear, and unwavering.”
