By Tolulope Oke
The Obidient Movement has taken a dramatic step by expelling Peter Obi and his ally Yunusa Tanko, rebranding the group and preparing for the 2027 elections. The move comes after internal conflicts and what the new leadership describes as the misuse of the movement for personal gain.
At a press briefing in Abuja, Dr. Barry Avotu Johnson, the newly appointed International Coordinator of the rebranded #OBEDIENT Movement, officially announced the dissolution of the previous leadership that emerged after the 2023 elections. The group’s decision to distance itself from Obi and his loyalists was attributed to “political prostitution”, which they claim hijacked the movement’s original mission.
“We are here today to inform the world that the Obidient Movement has been reclaimed by its true founders and custodians,” Johnson said. “This movement belongs to the people. It belongs to the youth, to workers, to every Nigerian who believes that this country must move forward.”
Johnson emphasized that the rebranding was necessary to return the movement to its original purpose, stating, “The original vision and founding ideals of the Obidient Movement were no longer being adequately represented by the leadership after 2023. We are committed to ensuring that the movement stays true to its roots.”
The new leadership also announced that the group has officially cut ties with the Labour Party (LP) and will now operate independently, although they have not yet announced a presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
“We have not adopted a presidential candidate for 2027 yet. However, we are focused on restructuring the movement and building a sustainable vision for the future,” Johnson stated.
Mallam Nasir Baba was appointed as the Secretary of the rebranded movement, with other leadership positions set to be announced in the coming weeks.
In his address, Johnson reiterated the group’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and organizational integrity, warning that those who had taken leadership positions without the consent of the movement’s original founders were no longer recognized.
Speaking about the future of Nigerian politics, Johnson called on the federal government and opposition leaders to focus on national unity and ensure that the country’s democratic process remains fair and free of manipulation.
“We respectfully urge the authorities to strengthen confidence in democratic freedoms and ensure that every Nigerian has the right to participate in the electoral process,” he said. “The future of this nation depends on leadership competence and the collective will of the people.”
The #OBEDIENT Movement emerged in 2022 as a political force born from the EndSARS Movement and has since evolved into one of the most prominent youth-driven groups in Nigeria. However, following its alliance with the Labour Party during the 2023 elections, tensions began to surface over leadership control and ideological differences.
