Obidient Movement Rejects Factional Groups
Nigeria’s prominent pro-Peter Obi political movement has moved to protect its identity and institutional integrity, publicly rejecting what it described as rogue elements attempting to operate parallel structures under its name and erode public confidence in its leadership.
The Obidient Movement, in an official statement released on Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said it had taken note of deliberate efforts by unnamed individuals and groups to create confusion around its direction, identity, and recognised leadership structure.
Tanko was unequivocal in the statement: “The Obidient Movement has become aware of the activities and announcements by certain individuals and groups attempting to operate under names and structures deliberately designed to create confusion around the identity, leadership, and direction of the Obidient Movement.”
He added that the movement “recognises no parallel structure, faction, or alternative leadership outside its established and recognised leadership framework aligned with His Excellency, Peter Obi.”
The statement carried a pointed warning to the general public, media organisations, and supporters both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, urging them not to associate with or lend credibility to groups operating under “derivative or deceptively similar identities.” According to Tanko, such groups “do not represent the Obidient Movement, its values, or its leadership.”
The movement also cautioned that any attempt to misrepresent its identity or exploit its influence for personal or political gain would not derail its mission. “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,” Tanko stated.
Supporters were advised to rely exclusively on officially recognised communication channels for verified information regarding the movement’s activities and positions.
The Obidient Movement rose to national and international prominence during Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election cycle, mobilising a considerable base of young, reform-minded Nigerians around the presidential campaign of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. Its reach extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, drawing substantial diaspora engagement across social media and grassroots networks.
Though Obi did not win the presidency, the movement maintained its organisational presence and continued to position itself as a civic force advocating for accountability, integrity, and what it describes as the pursuit of a “New Nigeria.”
The emergence of groups reportedly cloning its identity suggests the movement’s brand retains enough political currency to be worth co-opting, a development that has clearly prompted its leadership to act swiftly and publicly.
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