The Obidient Movement, a dynamic and passionate grassroots political organization that rose to prominence during the 2023 presidential elections by rallying massive support for Peter Obi, has reaffirmed its absolute and unwavering loyalty to the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate. The movement boldly announced that they are fully committed to following Obi wherever he decides to pitch his political tent in the upcoming 2027 elections, irrespective of the party platform.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, emphasized the group's deep-rooted belief in Peter Obi’s vision and leadership capacity. According to Tanko, the movement is determined to back Obi wholeheartedly, no matter what political vehicle he ultimately chooses.
Dr. Tanko passionately expressed that Peter Obi remains the beacon of hope the movement trusts to lead Nigeria out of its socio-economic difficulties and political uncertainty.
“The Obidient Movement has resolved unequivocally that anywhere His Excellency Peter Obi goes, we will go with him,” Tanko declared with conviction.
“This is rooted in the fact that we firmly believe he is the leader with the competence, integrity, and genuine commitment needed to steer Nigeria toward prosperity. He remains the face and soul of the Obidient Movement. When he points to the path forward, we will not hesitate to follow, trusting that his leadership will guide us safely to our desired destination.”
Tanko further stated that the ultimate goal is to see Peter Obi emerge victorious and lead the country from Aso Villa, stressing that the movement’s mission will not end with mere election victories but will continue with the urgent task of rebuilding the nation.
“Our dream is not just to win elections. Once we make it to Aso Villa, we know the real work begins — putting Nigeria back on the right track and ensuring a better future for all citizens. That is why our commitment to Peter Obi is total, and we will follow him all the way,” he added.
Peter Obi's impressive performance during the 2023 presidential election, where he garnered over six million votes nationwide, is largely credited to the tireless efforts and grassroots mobilization of the Obidient Movement.
Despite eventually finishing in third place behind Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Obi’s campaign created a powerful movement that has continued to thrive post-election.
The recent reaffirmation of loyalty from the Obidient Movement comes at a critical time when the Labour Party is grappling with internal disputes and amid growing discussions regarding a possible mega-opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Labour Party’s Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, has urged Peter Obi to remain with the Labour Party and reject the overtures being made by factions within the PDP for his return to their fold.
Dr. Olorunfemi's appeal comes in response to statements made by political figures such as Dan Ulasi, a former PDP Chairman in Anambra State, who publicly encouraged Obi to rejoin the PDP, suggesting that his return could bolster the party’s fortunes ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, Olorunfemi warned that Obi’s credibility and political reputation could suffer significant damage if he chose to defect from the Labour Party to another platform.
He stressed that Obi’s popularity among millions of Nigerian voters was built primarily through his association with the Labour Party and that any move to another party could be perceived as opportunistic and self-serving.
“Now that he has contested the election and witnessed the force and strength of the Labour Party firsthand, if he decides to leave and run on another political party’s platform, it would raise serious questions about his true commitment to the LP’s ideology,” Olorunfemi remarked.
“It would suggest that perhaps he merely used the LP platform as a means to an end rather than believing in its principles from the onset.”
He went further to note that it would ultimately be left to the Nigerian electorate to judge whether Peter Obi, who secured millions of votes under the LP, could replicate such success under a different political umbrella like the PDP or another party.
Dr. Olorunfemi strongly advised Peter Obi to focus his energy on helping to resolve the ongoing internal crises within the Labour Party instead of seeking greener pastures elsewhere.
“He (Obi) must use his tongue to count his teeth. If I were in his position, I would be concentrating on restoring unity, stability, and strength within the Labour Party. That is where his true battle lies,” Olorunfemi said.
He emphasized that staying with the LP and working to rebuild the party’s internal structures would send a stronger message of loyalty and political maturity to his supporters and to Nigerians at large.
Dr. Olorunfemi cautioned that constant party-switching would not only damage Obi’s public image but also align him with the behavior of typical Nigerian politicians who are often criticized for lacking ideological commitment and for jumping from one party to another for personal gain.
“If he chooses to move from one party to another, it would portray him as just another opportunistic politician — the kind Nigerians are already tired of. It would blur the unique identity that set him apart during the 2023 elections,” he concluded.