The Obidient Movement has ruled out any support for former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as a vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that its backing is solely for his emergence as President of Nigeria.
The movement made this clear in a statement issued on Saturday, following what it described as “deliberate misrepresentations and malicious propaganda” linked to recent comments by its National Coordinator, Dr Tanko Yunusa.
Yunusa had said during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief that the Obidient Movement would remain within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and respect the outcome of the party’s presidential primary, even if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s flagbearer. He noted that the movement was committed to democratic principles and would take its decisions within the framework of the ADC.
His remarks, however, sparked widespread speculation that Obi’s recent decision to formally join the ADC was based on a possible arrangement to serve as Atiku’s running mate should the former vice president secure the party’s ticket.
In a statement titled “The Peter Obi Presidency: A Joint Project of All Nigerians,” the Obidient Movement rejected this interpretation, stressing that Yunusa’s comments had been misconstrued. The group said the clarification had become necessary to restate its position clearly and authoritatively.
Describing itself as an “organic, nationwide, and values-driven democratic movement,” the group said its singular objective remained the emergence of the right leadership for Nigeria through lawful and democratic means.
“The ideals, energy, and collective resolve of the Obidient Movement are unequivocally committed to the presidential aspiration of Mr Peter Obi,” the statement read.
While acknowledging that it is currently operating within the ADC, the movement said its loyalty is not to any political platform but to Obi’s leadership vision. It stated categorically that it was not mobilised to support Obi as a vice-presidential candidate to anyone.
“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 statement said.
The group added that it would abide by the outcome of the ADC presidential primary provided the process is transparent, credible, and fair. It warned, however, that it would take a united, lawful, and democratic decision should the process be compromised.
It further declared that wherever Obi chooses, within the law and guided by conscience, to pursue his presidential ambition, the Obidient Movement would follow.
The clarification comes amid growing debate over Obi’s political future, days after one of his allies, Professor Pat Utomi, publicly threatened to withdraw support should Obi accept a vice-presidential slot within the ADC.
