The Obidient Movement has announced the expulsion of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and one of his close allies, Yunusa Tanko, amid an internal leadership crisis within the group.
The development was announced during a press briefing in Abuja by Dr. Barry Avotu Johnson, who identified himself as the newly appointed International Coordinator of the rebranded #OBEDIENT Movement.
Johnson said the movement had dissolved its former leadership structure that emerged after the 2023 general elections.
He explained that the decision followed what the new leadership described as the hijacking of the movement for personal and political interests.
According to him, the movement has now been reclaimed by its original founders and custodians with the aim of restoring its founding principles.
Johnson stated that the rebranding became necessary because the ideals and original vision of the movement were no longer being properly represented after the 2023 elections.
He added that the group remains committed to returning the movement to its grassroots foundation and preserving its original objectives.
The new leadership also announced that the movement has formally severed ties with the Labour Party and would henceforth operate independently.
Johnson, however, clarified that the group has not yet adopted any presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
He said the movement is currently focused on restructuring its internal framework and building a long-term political vision.
The rebranded movement also announced the appointment of Mallam Nasir Baba as its Secretary, while other leadership positions are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Johnson further stressed the need for accountability, transparency, and organisational discipline within the movement.
He maintained that individuals who assumed leadership roles without the consent of the movement’s original founders would no longer be recognised.
Speaking on national politics, Johnson urged the Federal Government and opposition leaders to prioritise national unity and protect democratic freedoms.
He said confidence in the democratic process must be strengthened to guarantee fair participation for all Nigerians.
The Obidient Movement emerged in 2022 following the #EndSARS protests and later became one of Nigeria’s most visible youth-driven political groups after aligning with the Labour Party during the 2023 elections.
However, the alliance reportedly triggered internal disagreements over leadership structure and ideological direction within the movement.
Reacting to the development, Yunusa Tanko dismissed reports of the expulsion, describing them as false and misleading.
Tanko alleged that those behind the claims were loyalists of former Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure.
He questioned how the movement could expel Peter Obi, whom he described as the central figure and owner of the movement.
