- Safiu Kehinde
Obidient Movement, the support group of the 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has rejected claims of their principal settling for Vice Presidential candidacy following his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The movement which served as Obi’s stronghold for mobilisation of supporters during his 2023 Presidential campaign had strongly tipped him for another run for the Presidency by 2027.
However, the ex-Anambra’s fallout with Labour Party led to his defection to the ADC last week.
Meanwhile, Obi’s chances of securing the ADC Presidential ticket had become subject of controversies and speculations considering the presence of other presidential hopefuls like former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
This had further raised speculations of Obi’s possible settlement for the Vice-Presidential spot with Atiku emerging the Presidential candidate.
Reacting to the speculations, particularly the one surrounding a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, during an interview, the Obidient Movement reiterated that its commitment is to see Obi emerge as the presidential candidate.
While maintaining its readiness to join any party in alignment with Obi, the movement declared that it was not mobilised to support the former Anambra governor as a Vice-Presidential candidate.
The Obidient movement, in a statement issued on its official X handle on Saturday described Obi as the competent candidate among other contenders.
“Our singular purpose is the emergence of the right leadership for Nigeria through lawful and democratic means.
“Accordingly, and without equivocation, the ideals, energy, and collective resolve of the Obidient Movement are unequivocally committed to the presidential aspiration of Mr Peter Obi.
The Movement can join any political party of its choice that aligned with the person, principles, and leadership vision of Mr Peter Obi.
“Our support for Mr Peter Obi is informed by our firm conviction that, among all frontline contenders for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he stands out in competence, integrity, compassion, vision, discipline, economic expertise, democratic credentials, international credibility, and a consistent record of prudent leadership.
“We are equally convinced that this conviction is shared by a clear majority of Nigerians across all geo-political zones, generations, and political persuasions. Let it be stated clearly and without ambiguity:
“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 said.
It declared his support for Obi’s move to the ADC while expressing readiness to abide by the outcome of the party’s primary election, providing it is conduct is transparent, credible, and fair.
“At present, we are supporting him within the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the contest for its presidential candidacy.
“Should the process be transparent, credible, and fair, the Obidient Movement will abide by its outcome.
“However, should the process be compromised, the Movement will take a united, lawful, and democratic decision consistent with its core principles.” The statement read further.
The Obidient Movement reiterated its loyalty to Obi’s leadership and commitment to the realisation of his presidential ambition.
“Crucially, 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.
“Our loyalty is to his leadership vision and to Nigeria’s national redemption—not to political convenience or compromised platforms.
“While remaining steadfastly committed to peaceful, democratic strategies, the Obidient Movement will never compromise its principles or its demand for credible leadership for the sake of expediency.
“This Movement has endured sacrifice, resistance, and misrepresentation because of a sincere and selfless belief in a better Nigeria. We will not be distracted, intimidated, or manipulated by misinformation, media mercenaries, or partisan hatchet jobs.
“Our commitment to the realization of a Peter Obi Presidency remains unshakable. We are convinced it represents the surest path to national renewal, economic recovery, and accountable governance.
“As we approach a defining moment in our national journey, we call on all Nigerians to remain resolute, united, and focused. Together, we can secure the good leadership our country urgently requires. A New Nigeria is Possible.” The statement read further.