In the current political space in Nigeria, there is so much talk about The Obidient Movement. It is a group that has been in the news since 2022, just before the 2023 presidential elections took place.
It is a political movement that fiercely supported Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate during the 2023 elections.
Years after, The Obidient Movement is still as vibrant as before. Members are still solidly behind Peter Obi. The idea is that anywhere Peter Obi goes, they will follow.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko is the National Co-ordinator of the Obidient Movement that supported His Excellency Peter Obi’s bid for presidency in 2023. It is a formidable movement.
For sometime now, Tanko has been the one co-ordinating the affairs of this vibrant movement. A few days ago, City People got him to talk about his experience, heading The Obidient Movement, and he had a lot to say.
He has brought to bear on the group, his wealth of experience in Politics. Let’s tell you some of it. He was IPAC National Chairman between 2014 and 2015. He was Presidential Candidate, National Conscience Party (NCP) in 2019 and in 2022 he was the National Chairman of the party. In 2015, he was a member of the National Peace Committee (NPC). In 2023, he was the Chief Spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Campaign Council. He was also the Spokesman for Prof. Pat Utomi NCF front in 2021. The year before, in 2020, he was the Spokesman for CNPP Mallam Balarabe Musa. He has paid his dues in Politics.
What has been his experience leading the Obidients?
“It has been a nice experience”, he told City People. “I was appointed last September. So I will be one year in September 2025.
“My paramount experience leading the Obidient Movement for the time being is that, it has been gravitational, electrocuting, people oriented, self embracing, transformational.”
“I have been a Field Marshal through my political journey. However, the movement has been a centre point and reference where I feel the pain, interact, and socialize with Bimbo from the West, Hassan from the North, Emeka from the East and Nengi from the South. It further shows that with the right leadership Nigeria can be great. I am so elated by the Nigerian youths seeking for accountability from our leaders including His Excellency, Peter Obi”.
What are the Aims and Objectives of the movement, we asked.
“The OBIDIENT Movement was initially set up to support His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, but it has metamorphosed into the biggest socio-political emancipation in Africa; gravitating a paradigm shift from the old order, the usual normal, self satisfying politics to a government owned by the people, transparent and accountable which forms the underlying principle for the movement”.
“It’s a reference point for all Nigerians, irrespective of party, ethnicity, religion, social class, cultural background, etc who are affected negatively by The policies of the ruling government. Basically the Obidient Movement is demanding for Good Governance with reference to the 5c’s Capacity, Character, Credibility, Consistency and Compassion.”
“Nigerians are seeking for improved standard of living; knowing fully well that the OBIDIENT Movement is the only reliable channel to achieve better and stable economy. Our aim in the OBIDIENT Movement is to revolutionize politicking and Government accountability in Sub Saharan Africa.”
Is the movement tied to the Labour Party and Mr Peter Obi?
“Not at all. But it is tied to every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, tribe or religion”
“We can as well get the answer to this in, he preceding paragraph. The OBIDIENT Movement is about the wellbeing of the Nigerian people, the state of our economy and transparency in Governance.”
What is the group’s stand on Peter Obi’s bid for the 2027 Presidency?
“We’re fully in support of any decision he deems fit for the interest of the Nigerian people.”
Why does he think Mr Peter Obi is the best man for the Job?
“His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi is the most suitable candidate for the job based on the following reasons. First, is his trajectory as a politician. His preceding roles in public office, says it all. An epitome of government accountability and transparency. He’s a man with the heart of the people.”
“Second, he is innovative and proactive.
Third, he is physically strong to make a better Nigeria. We all can see that His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi has the health qualities of a leader. A healthy man is a leading man. A man once asked me, ‘How is it that Mr. Peter could be everywhere at anytime. Doesn’t he get tired?’ I smiled.
Fourthly, he is passionate about the plight of the Nigerian people and wants to restore the lost glory and dignity of the Nigerian Nation.”
Let’s tell you a lot more about The Obidient Movement. City People has found out that it is a political group that has garnered significant attention, particularly among young people.
The Obidient Movement is driven by young Nigerians who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities and the country at large.
The movement focuses on engaging with people at the grassroots level, listening to their concerns, and amplifying their voices.
The Movement is actively involved in advocacy and activism, pushing for policies and reforms that benefit the youth and marginalized communities.
The movement is non-partisan, aiming to work with individuals and groups across party lines to achieve common goals.
The Obidient Movement has a strong online presence, utilizing social media platforms to mobilize support, share information, and build a community around their cause.
What has been Peter Obis role in the running of the Movement?
We gathered that he is the driving force behind the movement, which aims to promote positive change and good governance in Nigeria. The movement gained significant traction during the 2023 presidential election, where Obi’s massive support from young people and Nigerians from all walks of life.
Obi is a vocal advocate for social justice, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance. He has consistently spoken out against corruption and poor leadership, urging Nigerians to demand better from their leaders.
Obi believes that Education and Healthcare are crucial for Nigeria’s development. He has emphasized the importance of investing in these sectors to improve the country’s human capital and overall well-being.
With the Obidient Movement’s backing, Obi is positioning himself as a potential presidential candidate for the 2027 election. His supporters believe he has the potential to bring about positive change and reform in Nigeria.
So, Peter Obi’s role is that of a leader, advocate, and champion for positive change in Nigeria, with a focus on promoting good governance, social justice, and human development.”
How are the Obidients planning Peter Obis victory?
We can reveal that The Obedient Movement is planning Peter Obi’s victory in the 2027 presidential election through several strategies.
They’re formalizing and consolidating their organizational structure nationwide, learning from past experiences, particularly the 2023 election, where they lacked a recognized leadership structure.
The movement is advocating for electoral reforms, including electronic transmission of election results at polling units, wards, state, and national levels, to ensure transparency and fairness.
They’re mobilizing Nigerian youths to reject vote buying and selling, and to demand accountability from leaders. This includes establishing trained Pro-Democracy Brigades in each village or community to resist and expose vote buyers.
The Obidient Movement emphasizes the need for good governance, accountability, and unity, promoting Peter Obi’s leadership style and vision for a new Nigeria.
They want Nigerians to have a say in the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, rather than leaving it to the President, to ensure the electoral body’s independence and credibility.
The movement is engaged in vigorous campaigns across Nigeria, promoting attitudinal change and mental liberation among the electorate, particularly the youth population.
By implementing these strategies, the Obidient Movement aims to ensure Peter Obi’s victory in the 2027 presidential election and promote a new era of good governance and accountability in Nigeria.
The head of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko is doing a good job. He serves as the interim National Coordinator. He was appointed by Peter Obi, the movement’s founder and former Labour Party presidential candidate. Dr. Tanko previously served as the Chief Spokesperson of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign and has been instrumental in coordinating the movement’s activities nationally and internationally.
Dr. Tanko’s key role is to oversee the Obidient Movement’s operations across Nigeria and globally; Advocating for good governance, accountability, and transparency in line with Peter Obi’s philosophy, collaborating with various groups, including political leaders, Civil Society organizations, and citizens, to advance the movement’s goals.
The Obidient Movement is a quasi-political movement that emerged during the 2023 election, driven by young Nigerians and supporters of Peter Obi who seek to promote positive change and good governance in the country.
