Group claims dissolution of #Obidient Movement, cuts ties with Peter Obi ahead of 2027 elections

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — A group led by Dr Barry Avotu Johnson on Thursday announced the purported dissolution of the #Obidient Movement ahead of the 2027 general elections and dissociated itself from former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

The group, which claims to be the original founders and leaders of the movement, said the decision was taken in the interest of “order and justice,” while insisting it has not adopted any presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Avotu Johnson, who described himself as the International Coordinator of the movement, said the restructuring became necessary after the 2023 general elections, alleging that the original vision and founding ideals of the group had been distorted by those who later assumed control of its structure.

He also announced the removal of Dr Yunusa Tanko, who currently serves as Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide.

According to him, the repositioning was aimed at restoring the movement’s founding principles and correcting what he described as a deviation from its original mission.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi’s recent political movement away from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has continued to generate political reactions and uncertainties within opposition circles ahead of the 2027 elections.

Obi had explained that his decision was not driven by anger, ambition, or convenience, but followed deep reflection on Nigeria’s current challenges.

“It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading,” he said.

He emphasized that politics must remain focused on the people rather than individuals or personal gain, citing worsening economic hardship and declining living conditions across the country.

Obi also reiterated that his exit from previous political platforms was influenced by what he described as “severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises” that hindered effective political participation.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Peter Obi nor Dr Yunusa Tanko had issued an official response to the announced purported dissolution of the #Obidient Movement.