Obidient Movement Sounds Alarm Over Alleged APC Scheme Against Peter Obi
As Nigeria prepares for the crucial 2027 general elections, the Obidient Movement has issued a stark warning about what it describes as a systematic campaign by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine Peter Obi's presidential ambitions. The sociopolitical group, which primarily supports the former Labour Party candidate who now belongs to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made these explosive allegations during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists headquarters in Kano State.
Coordinated Sabotage Allegations
Yunusa Tanko, the national coordinator of Obidient Movement Worldwide, presented a detailed account of what he called a "sinister scheme" that has allegedly been unfolding since the 2023 elections. According to Tanko, the APC has been deliberately injecting crises into Obi's former party, the Labour Party, to prevent him from establishing a solid political foundation. The movement claims that despite Obi's persistent efforts to restore peace within the party, government infiltrators working with what they describe as a compromised judiciary have consistently thwarted these attempts.
The statement from the Obidient Movement declared: "This underhanded plan has been in motion since the 2023 election, deliberately injecting crises into Obi's former party, the Labour Party, to prevent him from securing a foothold. Despite Obi's relentless efforts to restore peace, government infiltrators aided by a compromised judiciary consistently thwarted these attempts."
Alleged Electoral Act Manipulation
The opposition group further accused the ruling party of employing sophisticated tactics to create an illusion of democratic choice while systematically undermining genuine opposition. According to their claims, after Peter Obi aligned with the African Democratic Congress and brought renewed energy to the party, the APC escalated its alleged sabotage efforts. The movement specifically pointed to legislative changes that resulted in what they called a "damaging amendment" to the Electoral Act, which they believe was explicitly designed to pressure the ADC and undermine Obi's presidential ambitions.
The situation reportedly intensified following Obi's March visit to Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and members of the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano. The Obidient Movement claims that this cordial meeting triggered increased hostility from the ruling party, culminating in what they describe as "the tipping point" during the ADC's rally in Kano on March 30, 2026, where Kwankwaso officially joined the ADC.
INEC Leadership Delisting Controversy
Adding to the controversy, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on April 1 that it had delisted ADC national chairman David Mark and national secretary Rauf Aregbesola from its official records. The commission, through Mohammed Haruna, its national commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, explained that this decision was taken in compliance with a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the matter at the trial court.
However, the Obidient Movement has strongly condemned this action, alleging government manipulation of INEC. Their statement asserted: "In a desperate move, the government manipulated INEC to reinterpret an Appeal Court ruling, leading to the delisting of the ADC's leadership, putting Obi and other aspirants at serious risk of being denied a platform."
Broader Democratic Concerns
The Peter Obi Media Office has categorically condemned what it perceives as a dangerous trend in Nigeria's political landscape. They outlined three primary concerns: the undermining of democratic principles, the establishment of what they fear could become a one-party dictatorship, and the continuation of resource exploitation through corruption. The movement emphasized that these alleged actions represent a fundamental threat to Nigeria's democratic institutions and electoral integrity.
In their concluding remarks, the Obidient Movement Worldwide called upon all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and ensure that Peter Obi has the opportunity to present his vision to the Nigerian electorate. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a level playing field in the lead-up to the 2027 elections and warned against any attempts to manipulate the political process.
The group has also announced plans for a nationwide protest aimed at what they describe as "defending Nigeria's democracy," stating that silence in the face of these alleged manipulations would be dangerous and inaction would amount to complicity. This development comes at a critical juncture in Nigeria's political calendar, with the 2027 elections already generating significant national and international attention.
