Obidient Movement dismisses ‘divisive’ label, says critics fear accountability

The Obidient movement has dismissed claims portraying its supporters as divisive, describing such narratives as a distortion of the group’s origins, values and role in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The response follows comments by Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who urged party supporters to back all presidential aspirants and avoid divisive politics. Reports later emerged describing Obidients as a “divisive mob” capable of damaging Peter Obi’s chances in the 2027 election — a claim Abdullahi did not make.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient movement, said the participation of Obidients in the ADC coalition aligns with democratic principles that promote debate, accountability and the aggregation of ideas.

Tanko said political coalitions are not meant to silence dissenting voices but to encourage engagement and scrutiny, warning that any coalition uncomfortable with questioning is ill-prepared to govern a diverse country like Nigeria.

“Passion in politics is not a crime,” he said, noting that reform-driven movements are often vocal because they are motivated by conviction rather than patronage.

He argued that singling out the Obidient movement as divisive reflects discomfort with accountability rather than genuine concern for unity, adding that Nigeria has historically tolerated or even celebrated more aggressive political followings.

Tanko rejected portrayals of the movement as rigid or homogenous, describing Obidients as Nigerians from diverse professional, regional and religious backgrounds united by demands for transparency, competence and accountable leadership.

He also dismissed claims that Obidients could “ruin” electoral prospects, saying elections are determined by organisation, alliances, credibility and leadership, not online activism, while reaffirming the movement’s commitment to the realisation of a Peter Obi presidency ahead of the 2027 elections.