A group claiming to represent the original founders of the Obidient Movement on Thursday announced sweeping changes to the structure of the group, including the expulsion of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his associate Yunusa Tanko, and several figures linked to its post-2023 leadership.
The group also declared the dissolution of the existing #Obidient Movement and unveiled a rebranded structure known as the #OBEDIENT Movement, saying the move was part of efforts to reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the faction’s International Coordinator, Barry Avotu Johnson, said the restructuring was necessary to restore what he described as the original ideals of the movement.
He alleged that the movement had been diverted from its founding principles after the 2023 elections, insisting that the new leadership was reclaiming it for its grassroots base.
“This movement belongs to the people. It belongs to the youths, workers and ordinary Nigerians who believe in a better country,” Johnson said.
He announced the immediate dissolution of the former leadership structure and declared the beginning of what he called a new phase of “rebranding, restructuring and reconciliation.”
Johnson also stated that the restructured movement had not adopted any presidential candidate for the 2027 elections and had no affiliation with the Labour Party.
He further named Nasir Baba as Secretary of the movement, noting that additional appointments would be announced after consultations with stakeholders across the country and in the diaspora.
The faction called on supporters to remain calm and united despite the leadership changes.
On national issues, Johnson urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to ensure a fair democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections and called for improved protection of civil liberties.
He also appealed for a review of cases involving detained EndSARS protesters and other individuals arrested during recent demonstrations.
Johnson maintained that leadership within the movement must reflect the approval of its original founders, stating that those who assumed positions without such backing were no longer recognised.
Explaining the origins of the movement, he said it evolved in 2022 from civic activism linked to the EndSARS protests and initially sought to promote youth participation in governance and democratic reform.
According to him, the group first aligned with the National Rescue Movement before later supporting Obi’s 2023 presidential bid under the Labour Party, a development that popularised the “Obidient” identity nationwide.
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