The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi has come out to state that his Obidient movement is not part of any particular political party and therefore cannot be a directorate in a political party.
Obi’s statement is coming shortly after the Julius Abure-led Labour Party created a new directorate within the Labour Party structure known as the Obidient Directorate to oversee affairs of the Obidient movement.
Peter Obi in a statement on his X handle said:
“I like to categorically state that the Obidient Movement is not directorate of any particular political party. Any individual or individuals claiming to be leaders of this non-existent directorate are simply not members of the broader Obidient Movement.”
“There may be a youth mobilization directorate in political parties but the Obidient movement is far beyond a particular political party. The Obidient Movement is a diverse and inclusive collective that transcends traditional political, religious, and ethnic affiliations.
“It is not domiciled within any particular party or headquartered in any particular part of the country. Its membership spans across Africa and the globe, comprising individuals from various backgrounds, including rural communities, and public, private, and corporate entities, united by a shared vision for a New and better Nigeria. Guided by the principles of adaptive and transformative change, progress, discipline, and democratic values, the Obidient Movement advocates for fairness, equity, inclusivity, and justice.
“It is committed to a strictly accountable and responsible code of government. Our members are committed to contributing to the realization of a better future for Nigeria through the New Nigeria project, anchored on loyalty, integrity, and democratic values. The Obidient Movement seeks to foster positive change through a commitment to integrity, honesty, and accountability, rejecting deceitful behaviours.
“We serve as a beacon of hope for a reimagined Nigeria, where leadership is grounded in character, capacity, competence, compassion and the well-being of all citizens.
“Let this serve as a clarification that the Obidient Movement operates independently of any political party, and its membership is not limited to any particular affiliation. Our focus remains steadfast on driving positive change and promoting a New Nigeria for all. This is who we are and will remain for all time”, Peter Obi concluded.
This statement from Mr. Peter Obi is seen as the clearest sign yet that all is not well in the Labour Party and that the relationship between the leadership of the Labour Party and its presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election has deteriorated. This is coming amidst move by Mr. Peter Obi to return to the PDP and run alongside Atiku Abubakar as the possible Vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2027 presidential race.