‘Why They Call Us Divisive’: Obidient Movement Says Critics Fear Accountability

 

The Obidient Movement has rejected claims that its supporters are divisive, insisting that such labels stem from politicians’ fear of accountability rather than any threat to national unity.

Reacting to recent comments linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the movement said attempts to portray Obidients as a disruptive force deliberately misrepresent its values, structure and role in Nigeria’s democratic process.

On Saturday, Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, urged party supporters to back all presidential aspirants and cautioned against divisive politics. However, a subsequent report alleged that Abdullahi described Obidients as a “divisive mob” capable of undermining Peter Obi’s chances in the 2027 presidential election — a claim the ADC spokesperson did not make.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said the group’s participation in the ADC coalition aligns with democratic norms that promote debate, engagement and the aggregation of ideas.

According to Tanko, coalition politics does not demand silence or unquestioning loyalty but thrives on active participation, scrutiny and accountability.

“A coalition that is uncomfortable with questioning voices is not one prepared to govern a complex society like Nigeria,” he said, adding that passion-driven political engagement should not be mistaken for division.

Tanko argued that Nigeria has previously accommodated far more aggressive political followings, many of which were normalised or even celebrated, stressing that the current criticism of Obidients reflects unease with accountability rather than genuine concern for unity.

He also dismissed portrayals of the movement as a rigid or homogenous bloc, noting that Obidients comprise professionals, traders, students, civil servants and Nigerians from diverse regions and religious backgrounds, united by demands for transparency, competence and accountable leadership.

“Disagreement with political opponents does not amount to hatred, and rejecting the status quo should not be framed as division,” the statement said.

Tanko further described claims that Obidients could “ruin” electoral prospects as a distortion of political realities, emphasising that elections are determined by organisation, credibility, alliances and leadership, not online activism alone.

“Blaming politically engaged citizens for failure is a distraction from the real work of governance,” he said.

Reaffirming the movement’s political stance, Tanko said its commitment to the emergence of a Peter Obi presidency remains firm, describing it as the most viable path to national renewal, economic recovery and accountable governance.

He urged Nigerians to remain focused, united and resolute as the country moves towards what he described as a defining political moment ahead of the 2027 general elections.