Obidient Movement rejects ‘parallel structure,’ reaffirms loyalty to Peter Obi

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Obidient Movement has rejected what it described as unauthorised parallel structures within the political movement supporting the aspirations of Peter Obi, following the announcement by a group led by Barry Avotu Johnson claiming to have dissolved the movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also reportedly announced its dissociation from Obi.

In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, the movement said it was aware of the activities and public announcements by individuals and groups allegedly operating under names and structures designed to create confusion around the identity, leadership and direction of the movement.

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The statement maintained that the Obidient Movement recognises no parallel structure, faction or alternative leadership outside its established and recognised leadership framework aligned with Obi.

It advised the public, media organisations, supporters across Nigeria and in the diaspora, as well as other stakeholders, that any group operating under derivative or deceptively similar identities does not represent the Obidient Movement, its values or its leadership.

“The Obidient Movement remains a people-driven movement founded on integrity, accountability, justice and the collective aspiration for a New Nigeria.

“Attempts to create confusion, misrepresent the movement’s identity, or exploit its growing influence for ulterior interests will not distract us from our mission and ongoing engagement with Nigerians across all levels,” the statement said.

The movement further urged its supporters and members of the public to remain focused and united, while relying only on communications issued through officially recognised leadership and communication channels.

The development follows an announcement on Thursday by a group led by Avotu Johnson, which claimed to be the original founders and leaders of the Obidient Movement.

The group announced what it described as the dissolution of the movement ahead of the 2027 elections and declared that it had not adopted any presidential candidate for the polls.

Avotu Johnson said the decision was taken in the interest of “order and justice,” alleging that the original vision and founding ideals of the movement had been distorted by individuals who later assumed control of its structure after the 2023 general elections.