Fractions emerged in the #OBIDient Movement, when groups issued directives, counter-directions

Fissure lines appear to have emerged within the Obidient movement, as a group claiming leadership on Thursday issued a directive to expel prominent members of the group, while previous leadership had rejected the new group’s actions.

The Obey Movement was formed ahead of the 2027 elections as a support base for the Labor Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

However, ahead of the 2027 general elections, this new group announced the dissolution of the Movement and the expulsion of the Movement’s main focus, Peter Obi, one of his students, Yunusa Tanko and “all other persons appointed under the illegitimate leadership structure that emerged after the 2023 elections.”

Those behind this dismissal based their judgment on political prostitution and its abuse for personal gain and personal gain.

They said they had changed the name of the organization to #OBEDIENT Movement, to disassociate themselves from Obi and his loyalists.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to unveil the organisation, the International Coordinator of the #OBEDIENT Movement, Dr Barry Avotu Johnson, clarified that they have not adopted any presidential candidate for 2027 and are no longer associated with the Labor Party.

According to him, this rebranding is necessary because after the 2023 elections, the original vision and ideals of the #Obidient Movement will no longer be adequately represented by those who control its structure.

However, the Obidient Movement rejected the activities and announcements, stating that the group was deliberately designed to create confusion around its identity and leadership.

Reacting, the Obedient Movement in a statement from its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, stated that they do not recognize parallel structures, factions or alternative leadership outside the established and recognized leadership framework aligned with Obi.

The movement urges the public, media organizations, supporters across Nigeria and diaspora stakeholders that any group operating with a seemingly similar derivative identity does not represent the Obidient Movement, its values, or its leadership.

Obidient Movement stated that it remains a community-based movement based on accountability, justice and collective aspirations for a New Nigeria.

“Attempts to create confusion, misrepresent the identity of the movement, or exploit its growing influence for hidden interests will not distract us from our mission and engagement with Nigerian society at all levels.

“We urge all Believers and community members to remain focused, united, and guided only by communications issued through the movement’s officially recognized leadership and communication channels.

“The vision of the New Nigeria remains alive, clear and unwavering,” said Obidient Movement.