The Obidient Movement is preparing to launch a nationwide registration of its members, as disclosed by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the newly appointed Interim National Coordinator.
Tanko, previously the spokesperson for Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, announced the move as part of efforts to formalise and structure the movement.
Peter Obi’s candidacy in the 2023 election saw the rise of the Obidient Movement, named after his supporters, the “Obidients.” On September 3, 2023, Obi appointed Tanko as the Interim National Coordinator to lead the movement’s restructuring. Before this role, Tanko served as the media director for Obi’s presidential campaign under the now-disbanded Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation.
In an interview with The Whistler, Tanko explained that the planned registration drive is a key step toward transforming the Obidient Movement into a formal, structured entity. This move is seen as essential for long-term growth, especially as speculation swirls around Peter Obi’s potential involvement in political alliances ahead of the 2027 general election.
Despite its current alignment with the Labour Party, Tanko hinted that the Obidient Movement’s future may not always be tied to the party. Recent political developments, including a meeting of key stakeholders—such as Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti—culminated in the appointment of former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman as chair of the Labour Party caretaker committee. This development marked the end of Julius Abure’s tenure as National Working Committee leader, deepening internal party disputes. Abure, however, continues to claim leadership and has declared that Peter Obi will not be guaranteed the LP presidential ticket in 2027.
Though Tanko refrained from directly addressing these controversies, he emphasized that after the Obidient Movement is fully structured, it will “determine its own fate.” He outlined the immediate plans, which include appointing leadership across states and wards, ensuring representation at every level.
“The most important objective of this Movement is to ensure that we have a well-structured organisation,” Tanko explained. “We were criticized during the 2023 elections for lacking structure and relying solely on social media. Now, we aim to formalize our membership, so we know our people and can communicate effectively.”
Tanko stressed that while the group remains part of the Labour Party for now, it is open to members from other political parties who share its values. He compared the group’s role to that of the defunct Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), which once bolstered the PDP.
“We welcome those who believe in our cause—good governance, accountable leadership, and a united Nigeria that values fairness and equity for all,” Tanko added.
