National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, has reiterated the loyalty of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, to the party amid swirling speculations about his political future.
Yunusa also revealed that Obi has committed to serving only one term if elected President in 2027—a term he intends to use to set Nigeria on the path to recovery, reports The Guardian.
“For the point of clearance, Mr. Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party,” Yunusa stated firmly, adding that the party and the movement remain aligned on a vision of transformative leadership for Nigeria.
“One term to set the tone, restore hope, and pass the baton to a leadership class that understands service,” he declared.
He emphasized that the Obidient mission transcends elections. “We are not just chasing electoral victory; we are pursuing justice, fairness, and access to the essentials of life,” he said. “Every member must act as an ambassador of this vision.”
Yunusa stated these during the Obidient Movement conference held in Oyo State, themed, ‘Going Forward: A New Nigeria is Possible.’
The high-profile gathering brought together political thinkers, grassroots organizers, and party loyalists who reaffirmed their commitment to national transformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Delivering a powerful keynote address, renowned linguist and public intellectual, Professor Francis Egbokhare of the University of Ibadan, delivered a searing critique of Nigeria’s current trajectory. He described the nation as “a giant lying prostrate, trampled by dwarfs,” lamenting the paradox of abundant talent stifled by systemic failure.
“Nigerians are everywhere, but Nigeria is nowhere,” he said, decrying what he termed “motion without movement, spending without investment, and the rule of propaganda instead of the rule of law.”
Egbokhare warned against engaging in shallow political theatrics, urging the movement to change the game entirely if the current system could not deliver justice and progress. “Political victory without a restructured mindset only recycles failure,” he said.
He challenged the Obidient Movement to lead a renaissance rooted in integrity, empathy, strategy, and discipline, saying, “Success must be summoned; it will not walk to us uninvited.”
Welcoming attendees, Ayo Akinyemi, Oyo State Obidient Coordinator and convener of the event, framed the conference as a strategic rallying point for the movement in the state.
“We really want a change in Nigeria,” he said. “It’s not just about winning elections; it’s about confronting and solving Nigeria’s socio-political crises with collective resolve.”
Akinyemi endorsed Peter Obi as the credible leader capable of driving meaningful change, urging members to remain united and steadfast in their pursuit of a new Nigeria.
