The Obidient Movement has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a campaign to block Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group made the allegation during a press conference held in Kano on Saturday, with its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, detailing what he described as a coordinated effort to deny Obi a political platform through institutional manipulation and manufactured crises. Tanko claimed that the APC’s strategy began after the 2023 presidential election and has since involved sowing discord within the Labour Party, where Obi was previously the presidential candidate.
According to Tanko, the ruling party has been actively working to weaken Obi’s political base by fueling internal conflicts within the Labour Party. He pointed out that despite a Supreme Court ruling in April 2025 that clarified the party’s leadership structure, lower courts later took actions that undermined the judgment. This, he argued, created a legal and political environment that favored the APC’s interests while marginalizing opposition voices. Obi eventually left the Labour Party on December 31, 2025, following a prolonged internal crisis, and subsequently joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Obidient Movement also highlighted Obi’s growing political alliances, particularly with former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as a source of heightened political tension. Tanko linked recent developments, including the reported delisting of ADC leadership following an Appeal Court ruling, to broader attempts to dismantle opposition parties and consolidate power. He stated, “The trend is a blatant scheme to undermine democracy, impose a one-party system and deny Nigerians credible choices.” The movement sees these actions as part of a larger pattern aimed at eroding democratic processes and limiting electoral competition.
In response, the Obidient Movement called on electoral bodies, the judiciary, and other key stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. They warned that any attempt to exclude opposition candidates from the 2027 elections would severely damage public trust in Nigeria’s democracy. The group also urged Nigerians, especially youths and women, to stay vigilant and actively defend democratic values in the lead-up to the polls. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the movement’s claims underscore growing concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and the need for inclusive governance.
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