By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Obidient Movement has clarified that they are exclusively backing Peter Obi for president, not as a vice-presidential candidate for anyone, ahead of the 2027 general election.
This follows “deliberate misrepresentations and malicious propaganda” stemming from comments by National Coordinator, Dr Tanko Yunusa, who said the movement would support the ADC’s presidential candidate, even if it’s not Obi.
In a statement titled “The Peter Obi Presidency: A Joint Project of All Nigerians”, the group emphasized their commitment to Peter Obi’s presidential bid. The statement reads, “The Obidient Movement is not mobilised to support Mr Peter Obi as a vice-presidential candidate to anyone. Our support is exclusively for his emergence as President of Nigeria.”
The movement describes itself as “an organic, nationwide, and values-driven democratic movement committed to good governance, accountability, and the rule of law,” with the sole aim of getting the right leadership for Nigeria through democratic means. They are currently operating within the ADC, but state that their loyalty is to Peter Obi’s vision, not the party.
While they will respect the outcome of the ADC presidential primary if it is “transparent, credible, and fair,” they will take “united, lawful, and democratic decision” if compromised. The statement also said, “Wherever Mr Peter Obi, acting within the law and guided by conscience, chooses to pursue his presidential mandate, the Obidient Movement will move with him.”
This clarification comes days after Peter Obi’s ally, Professor Pat Utomi, threatened to withdraw support if Peter Obi accepts a VP slot in the ADC.
