The Obidient Movement has declared that its leader and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, is not desperate to become Nigeria’s president in 2027.
The group dismissed the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) recent ultimatum asking opposition coalition members to resign from their political parties and join the ADC, describing the move as being in bad faith.
Dr. Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, made the position clear in Abuja on Friday while reacting to remarks by ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
Abdullahi had told reporters that the directive emerged from an ADC caucus meeting attended by leading members of the opposition coalition. He said while members were instructed to resign from their parties, no specific deadline was set.
Yunusa, however, noted that Obi had aligned with the coalition platform after the Anambra governorship election, extending his commitment to the 2027 polls. He wondered why resolutions previously made were now being altered midway into the agreement.
“As the Obidient Movement, being part of the main consulting bloc, we are particularly concerned about how the party intends to zone its presidential ticket. Considering that the presidency is currently held by the South, issues of equity and fairness must guide such decisions if the party truly aims to secure victory in the 2027 elections,” Yunusa said.
He added that Obi, as a national leader, consults widely before making political decisions and is more interested in governance reforms than personal ambition.
“It must be emphasized that H.E. Peter Obi is not desperate to be President of Nigeria. His ultimate mission is to see Nigeria work — to lift people out of poverty, to improve the economy, education, healthcare, and security,” he stressed.
Yunusa further stated that zoning of principal offices and inclusivity within the coalition would be crucial to mobilising support across the country.
The statement reaffirms Obi’s position as a central figure in the opposition bloc, while highlighting ongoing tensions over coalition dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
