Supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, known as the Obidients, have begun strategizing to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Under the banner of the Obidients Movement, they pledged to exceed the efforts made during the 2023 election to secure their candidate’s victory and entry into the Aso Rock Villa.
This commitment was declared during the All Obidient Forum conference, hosted by the Delta Obidient Elders’ Council in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
The Delta Obidient Elders’ Council chairman, Chief Chris Biose, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to Obidients across the nation and in the diaspora for their remarkable efforts, both individually and collectively, through various support groups.
He specifically acknowledged the Obidient youths from different political backgrounds for their role in mobilizing support that led to the defeat of the entrenched APC and PDP in Delta State during the last presidential election.
“On behalf of the Obidient Movement, I sincerely thank all Obidients nationwide and abroad for the heroic contributions we made individually through various support groups,” he stated.
The success of the Obidients was so astounding that other political parties were stunned when the movement secured over 10 million votes for Mr. Peter Obi in just a few months of campaigning.
“On behalf of the Delta Obidient Elders’ Council, it is my privilege to warmly welcome our energetic Obidients from all 25 local government areas of Delta State, as well as Movement leaders from across the nation, to Asaba,” he said.
He emphasized the need to replicate the remarkable success of February 25, 2023, with even greater determination and a conclusive outcome. “The electorate that supported Mr. Peter Obi remains present—disappointed but still hopeful for good governance. How do we re-engage them in the fight for a New Nigeria?” he asked.
From the outset, the Obidient Movement consisted of thousands of spontaneous and passionate support groups that rallied around Mr. Peter Obi’s entry into the presidential race.
“The movement operated without a leadership hierarchy or formal organizational structure. However, this time, Mr. Peter Obi has wisely appointed Dr. Tanko Yunusa, a highly respected figure, as the interim national coordinator for the Obidient Movement. We urge all Obidients to embrace this important development,” he stated.
He encouraged all Obidient support groups to unite and work collaboratively toward achieving the goal that was unfairly taken from them in February 2023. “We are determined to surpass our efforts from the 2023 election,” he added.
Speaking at the conference through Zoom, Obi emphasized the significance of early mobilization, noting that the event’s theme, “Reawakening and Harmonizing the Obidient Movement for a New Nigeria,” is especially relevant in light of the nation’s current economic difficulties.
Other speakers, including Prof. Pat Utomi, Delly Ajufo, Chris Iyovwaye, and Dr. Yunusa Tanko, also participated via Zoom. They expressed concern over the economic stagnation and urged the youth to begin mobilizing without delay.
