Eshioromeh Sebastian in Abuja
The Obidient Movement has issued a rebuttal to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the party’s characterisation of its supporters as a “divisive mob” as a clear sign of political fear and an aversion to accountability.
The response, issued by the movement’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, follows recent remarks from the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who warned that certain supporter behaviours could undermine Peter Obi’s prospects in the 2027 election.
During a live audio conversation on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Abdullahi cautioned against divisive rhetoric from supporters of presidential aspirants, stating it was in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Those shouting ‘Peter Obi or nothing’ are not helping him; they preach division, limit outreach, and harden positions needed for victory across regions and supporters,” Abdullahi said.
He explicitly labeled such supporters a “divisive mob” and warned they would “ruin Peter Obi’s chance in the 2027 election,” emphasizing the ADC’s intent to focus on unity and ignore those “creating exceptionality.”
However, in a counter-statement, the Obidient Movement rejected this framing outright. Dr. Tanko argued that the attempt to label the movement as “divisive” fundamentally misrepresents its origins and purpose.
He stated that Obidients emerged not from extremism, but from years of poor governance, worsening poverty, and a political system that sidelined ordinary Nigerians. The movement, he explained, represents millions—particularly young people—who became politically engaged due to frustration with recycled leadership and empty promises, not a desire to divide the country.
Addressing the context of the ADC coalition, Dr. Tanko asserted that the participation of Obidients follows a logical path toward building broader alternatives. He contended that coalitions are meant to aggregate ideas and encourage debate, not demand silence or blind loyalty.
“A coalition that fears questioning voices is not one prepared to govern a complex society like Nigeria,” the statement read. It further described passion in politics as a cornerstone of functioning democracies, where reform-driven movements are vocal precisely because they are motivated by conviction rather than patronage.
The statement challenged the portrayal of Obidients as a single, rigid bloc, instead describing them as a diverse cross-section of professionals, traders, students, and civil servants from across Nigeria’s regions and religions, united by demands for transparency and accountable leadership. It argued that disagreeing with political opponents does not equate to hatred, and that rejecting the status quo should not be framed as division.
Dr. Tanko dismissed the ADC’s claim that Obidients could ruin electoral chances as a misreading of political reality, noting that elections are won through organization, alliances, and credibility—not silenced online voices. “Blaming engaged citizens for political failure is an easy distraction from the harder work of governance,” the statement concluded.
The Obidient Movement positioned itself not as a problem, but as an opportunity for a more accountable politics, asserting that any coalition or party serious about governing Nigeria must learn to engage such citizens, not fear them.
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