National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, says the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, remains a committed member of the party.
Yunusa stated this at the gathering of the Oyo State Obidient Conference, themed, “Going Forward 2027: A New Nigeria is Possible,” held at the Empowerment Centre Ring Road, Ibadan.
The event attracted party loyalists, political analysts, and grassroots organisers from across the state.
Yunusa, in his remarks, reinforced the movement’s significance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
On rumours regarding Obi’s potential defection from the Labour Party, Yunusa clarified that he remains a committed member.
“For the point of clearance, Mr. Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party. You know there are still issues in the Labour Party and INEC is yet to respond to them,” he said.
Yunusa further affirmed that Obi intends to run for the 2027 general elections and is focused on a single term if elected.
He stated, “If elected, he will provide Nigeria with a single term of purposeful leadership. The majority of our problems can be resolved in one year if we focus on essential human development, as he demonstrated during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.”
Yunusa stressed the importance of setting a positive tone for governance, saying, “One term to set the tone, restore hope, and pass the baton to a leadership class that understands service.”
The obedient movement boss highlighted that the movement’s mission extended beyond electoral success, encompassing justice, fairness, and access to basic needs in governance.
Renowned linguist from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Francis Egbokhare, in his keynote address at the conference, provided a critical assessment of Nigeria’s current situation.
He pointed out the widespread talent among Nigerians but lamented that the nation is not living up to its potential.
The university don described Nigeria as “a giant lying prostrate, trampled by dwarfs,” emphasising the gap between the country’s capabilities and its reality.
He characterised the state of governance as lacking direction, marked by ineffective spending and reliance on propaganda rather than the rule of law.
He warned against superficial political strategies, stating, “Confusing ways and means with strategy is a terrible error. Do not play a game you have neither mastered nor can control; change the game or change the rules.”
Oyo State Coordinator and convener, Ayo Akinyemi, described the gathering as a pivotal moment for Obidient members in the state to unify their vision and strategies for national change.
He expressed a strong desire for transformation in Nigeria, stating, “We genuinely seek change in Nigeria and recognise that the country’s political and socio-economic challenges require collective determination.”
Akinyemi stressed that Obi is the credible leader capable of driving the change, urging members to remain united and committed to the movement’s cause.
