The Obidient Movement, the political support base of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has formally written to him expressing deep concern over alleged marginalisation within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition formed to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Dockaysworld reports that in a memo dated July 29, 2025, and signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the movement accused the coalition of sidelining its members from key decision-making processes.
“We write on behalf of the Obidient Movement to express our severe grievances regarding recent developments within the coalition’s systems. Our people are deliberately excluded at all levels,” the letter read in part.
The Obidient Movement rose to national prominence during the 2023 general election, where Peter Obi secured over 6.1 million votes, winning in 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Though he came third in the final tally, his performance disrupted Nigeria’s traditional two-party dominance and redefined youth participation in the democratic process.
Due to the understanding that the opposition would have secured victory in the last polls if not for the split of votes, the ADC-led coalition was unveiled on July 2.
The coalition brought together several political heavyweights including former Senate President David Mark (interim national chairman), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and Peter Obi himself.
Although Obi has yet to formally join the ADC, party officials, including interim National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed that both Obi and El-Rufai were granted waivers to remain in their original parties while supporting the coalition’s activities.
However, barely one month after the coalition’s public unveiling, the Obidient Movement has complained that its members are being shut out of strategic discussions and coalition leadership structures.
“Several of our designated representatives and members are reportedly being excluded from crucial meetings where major decisions affecting the coalition are made,” Yunusa wrote.
He added that the lack of representation was not only damaging to internal trust but also failed to reflect the movement’s strength and electoral relevance.
“The current structure does not reflect the Obidient Movement’s strength and contribution to this coalition,” the memo noted. “We strongly believe that there should be at least one working committee member and one non-working committee member representing the Obidient Movement in each geopolitical zone.”
The group urged Obi to immediately intervene and ensure that its members are fairly integrated.
