ABUJA, Nigeria — Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and the de facto leader of the Obidient Movement, has publicly disowned the recently established ‘Obedient Directorate’ created by the Labour Party’s national chairman, Julius Abure.
Mr Obi’s announcement on his social media handles on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, has sparked widespread celebration among Obidients worldwide, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining the movement’s independence.
In his statement, Obi unequivocally distanced the Obidient Movement from the Labour Party’s newly formed directorate.
I like to categorically state that the Obidient Movement is not directorate of any particular political party. Any individual or individuals claiming to be leaders of this non-existent directorate are simply not members of the broader Obidient Movement.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 5, 2024
Obi emphasised that the movement is not affiliated with any particular political party and declared that “any individual or individuals claiming to be leaders of this non-existent directorate are simply not members of the broader Obidient Movement”.
“I like to categorically state that the Obidient Movement is not a directorate of any particular political party. Any individual or individuals claiming to be leaders of this non-existent directorate are simply not members of the broader Obidient Movement,” Obi declared.
Obi further highlighted the inclusive and diverse nature of the Obidient Movement, which transcends traditional political, religious, and ethnic affiliations.
“The Obidient Movement is a diverse and inclusive collective that transcends traditional political, religious, and ethnic affiliations. It is not domiciled within any particular party or headquartered in any particular part of the country,” he added.
“The Obidient Movement’s membership spans across Africa and the globe, comprising individuals from various backgrounds, including rural communities and public, private, and corporate entities.
“United by a shared vision for a new and better Nigeria, the movement advocates for fairness, equity, inclusivity, and justice, guided by principles of adaptive and transformative change, progress, discipline, and democratic values.
“It is committed to a strictly accountable and responsible code of government. Our members are committed to contributing to the realisation of a better future for Nigeria through the New Nigeria project, anchored on loyalty, integrity, and democratic values,” Obi stated.
Obi’s clarification reiterated the movement’s commitment to fostering positive change through integrity, honesty, and accountability while “rejecting deceitful behaviours”.
“We serve as a beacon of hope for a reimagined Nigeria, where leadership is grounded in character, capacity, competence, compassion, and the well-being of all citizens,” he affirmed.
The statement concluded with an unwavering message: “Let this serve as a clarification that the Obidient Movement operates independently of any political party, and its membership is not limited to any particular affiliation. Our focus remains steadfast on driving positive change and promoting a New Nigeria for all. This is who we are and will remain for all time.”
The announcement comes in the wake of intense opposition from the Obidient Movement’s conveners, who on Sunday denounced the Labour Party’s creation of the Obedient Directorate.
In an effort to realign its strategies, the Labour Party announced in late May the creation of the Obedient Directorate, appointing Marcel Ngogbehei as Director, Aju Elumelu as Deputy Director (Diaspora), and Mariam Ismaila as Deputy Director.
However, Obidient Movement leaders perceived the move as an overreach and an attempt to control the independent movement without proper consultation.
In a strongly worded statement, the movement’s leaders accused Julius Abure of attempting to co-opt the grassroots-driven force that has significantly revitalised the Labour Party’s political fortunes.
The appointment of Ngogbehei, in particular, drew sharp criticism from the movement’s conveners, who labelled him a discredited figure with a corrupt past, unworthy of any leadership role within their ranks.
“We categorically reject the creation of an Obidient Directorate within the Labour Party. We explicitly reject the appointment of a charlatan like Marcel Ngogbehei to any position of authority within the movement,” two hundred and sixty-one Obidient Movement group conveners urged in their statement.
“We call on Julius Abure to halt this destructive plot and engage in sincere dialogue with the true stakeholders of the Obidient Movement, starting with His Excellency Peter Obi.
“This ludicrous scheme, no doubt concocted within the corridors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—whose president and cronies are desperate to undermine Peter Obi’s popularity and the unstoppable force of the Obidient Movement—is doomed to fail,” they stated.
Peter Obi’s latest statement has been met with widespread jubilation among Obidient supporters, who view it as a reaffirmation of their movement’s core values and independence.
Across social media platforms, Obidients worldwide have expressed their support for Obi’s stance and celebrated the movement’s renewed commitment to its foundational principles.
Obi of Obidient himself has spoken. End of Church.
— Omotayo Williams (@KadunaResident) June 5, 2024
Our president, I am glad you are talking about this. I saw that and I was like, who endorsed this? Obidients in general? No way ↕️
Now it is very clear. pic.twitter.com/7nj5IvqtjB
— Dr. Kenon (@drkenon2) June 5, 2024
Tuale for the Boss himself 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Case closed and it’s signed ✍🏾 and sealed 🤐
— God’sWillAlone4Naija (@RITAENG1234) June 5, 2024
I too love this man. Very important message to come especially from him. All you DisObidient Caucuses Ntorr 🤪
— SizZzle. 😎🇳🇬 (@n6oflife6) June 5, 2024
Obidients 🔥🔥🔥
Our leader, our 001 🇳🇬 have spoken. 🫡🫡🫡
Directorate ko, Dictionary ni. 🌚 pic.twitter.com/zEtn1RNrOG
— Concerned Citizen (@TimedFrank) June 5, 2024
Peter Obi has issued a clear warning to all those traditional politicians; obidients no dey do horse-trading.
Peter Obi is the beacon!
— Spotlight Abby (@Spotlight_Abby) June 5, 2024
“Any individual or individuals claiming to be leaders of this non-existent directorate are simply not members of the broader Obidient Movement”.
Very important 💯
Peter Obi lead, we follow.— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) June 5, 2024
I particularly love this part 👇🏾
“The Obidient movement is far beyond a particular political party. The Obidient Movement is a diverse and inclusive collective that transcends traditional political, religious, and ethnic affiliations”. ~PO
— Will E. (@PEC_Concepts) June 5, 2024
And lastly, these two comments.
This tweet from Peter Obi screams “I might dump Labour Party any time”
— Iwunna (@Daddy_Tweens) June 5, 2024
I thought you’re a trader. How come you have such impeccable knowledge of politics. I understand where you’re driving at. The intention of this post is beyond the directorate of Obidients in Labour Party. I have seen the bigger picture you’re painting in the background.
— Harmless (@Harmless12345) June 5, 2024
