- Safiu Kehinde
Obidient Movement, the support and mobilisation group of the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has disclosed that its principal is currently engaged in high-level consultations with stakeholders and political allies amid speculatioms of another defection.
NPO Reported the growing speculations of Obi’s possible defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to thr Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
The rumours of the planned defection is coming days after the Supreme Court’s ruling over the leadership crisis of the ADC as the apex court returning the case to the trial court.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline for the submission of party’s register looming, the ADC litigation case still remained unresolved as the David Mark-led faction had been ordered to return to the Federal High Court to resolve the suit challenging its leadership as filed by the Nafiu Bala faction.
This had raised the speculation of possbile defection by Obi and former Kano governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who support group, the Kwankwasiyya Movement, have confirmed his planned defection from the ADC to the NDC.
Reacting to the development in a issued on Saturday and chaired on X by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the Obidient Movement sued for calm among the supporters while acknowledging the growing speculations.
The group disclosed that Obi is currently consulting political allies and aligned movements.
It however failed to precisely confirm the speculated defection plan.
The movement rather assured the members that the engagements are focused on determining the most strategic and effective path forward in the best interest of the Nigerian people.
“We wish to reassure all supporters and members of the movement across Nigeria and in the diaspora that His Excellency, Peter Gregory Obi, is currently engaged in extensive, high-level consultations with key stakeholders, political allies, and aligned movements.
“These engagements are focused on determining the most strategic and effective path forward in the best interest of the Nigerian people and our shared mission to build a New Nigeria.
“As a movement founded on integrity, accountability, and active citizen participation, we remain dedicated to ensuring that every decision taken reflects our values and long-term vision for the country.” The statement partly read.
The Obidient Movement further noted that the consultations are deliberate, thorough, and guided by the overriding objective of securing a future that works for all Nigerians.
The group urged its members not to be swayed by what it labelled as speculative reports, stressing that Obi will address the movement in due time.
“We urge all Obidients to remain calm, patient, and focused. Do not be swayed by speculative reports.
“Peter Obi remains fully committed to this mission and will, in due course, formally address the Obidient Movement and the general public to provide clarity on the current situation and the direction ahead.
“Our strength lies in our unity and focus.
“Let us remain steadfast as we await further communication.” The statement read further.