No division among us, Obidient Movement says
The Obidient Movement has rejected reports suggesting it is experiencing internal divisions, insisting that what critics interpret as a fracture is merely the natural evolution of a citizen-driven coalition inspired by the ideals of Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Ibrahim Umar, the group described reports of disunity as “manufactured media reports” and maintained that the movement remains united in its mission.
“We have become aware of ongoing, manufactured media reports suggesting that the Obidient Movement is experiencing internal divisions or fracturing. We unequivocally refute this claim,” the statement read.
According to the movement, “What those who oppose the current system perceive as disunity is, in fact, the organic and decentralised evolution of a citizen-led coalition.”
The group said its resilience stems from the fact that it is built around an idea rather than a conventional political structure.
“To grasp why the Obidient Movement is resilient to traditional political fault lines, one must acknowledge that the Movement embodies an idea of governance anchored on accountability principles of our principal, Peter Obi,” the statement said.
“It’s not a conventional political organisation that operates under a rigid hierarchy; the Obidient Movement is founded upon shared values such as accountability, economic advancement, systemic fairness, and capable leadership as embodied by Peter Obi.”
The movement added that while various civic groups affiliated with its cause may adopt different approaches, they remain united by a common objective.
“While various civic groups across the nation may employ different strategies, their collective objective is a unified vision for a New Nigeria,” it stated.
Defending its decentralised structure, the movement described the arrangement as a major strength rather than a weakness.
“The organic decentralised nature of the Obidient Movement is its source of strength,” the statement said.
“The absence of a central, easily influenced or compromised leadership body prevents any single individual or subgroup from compromising the aspirations of millions. The movement belongs to the Nigerian populace, not to a select group of politicians.”
The group stressed that its core mission remains unchanged and continues to align with Obi’s approach to governance.
“The central mission remains unaltered along Peter Obi’s principles and approach to governance,” it stated.
“Let it be unequivocally understood by both supporters and critics that the Obidient Movement’s steadfast commitment to ending the transactional politics that have held Nigeria captive is absolute. There is no division whatsoever regarding our fundamental objectives.”
The movement also urged its supporters and members of the public to disregard what it described as attempts to create distractions.
“We implore the public and our vast network of organic supporters globally to dismiss these deliberately orchestrated campaigns of distraction,” the statement said.
“The movement is unified, vigilant, and remains singularly focused on achieving the socio-economic liberation of Nigeria.”
