Peter Obi Disagrees With Labour Party Over Domestication Of Obident Movement 

PRESIDENTIAL candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, on Wednesday, picked holes in the appropriation and domestication of the Obident Movement by his party.

Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that on Wednesday 30th May 2024, the Labour Party announced the setting up of the Obident Directorate domiciled within the Labour Party. According to Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, in a statement, the move was part of the repositioning efforts of the Labour Party towards integrating millions of Nigerian youths and particularly, the Obident family into the larger family of the Labour Party.

He then announced that eight Nigerians had been appointed to pilot the affairs of the Obident Directorate. He gave the names of the members of the Directorate to include:

1. Mr. Marcel  Ngogbehei – Director
2. Amb. AJU Elumelu – Deputy Director, (Diaspora)
3. Mrs Mariam Ismaila –  Deputy Director
4. Mr. Chukwuemeka Gerald Okafor – Deputy Director
5. Mrs Angel Innocent – Deputy Director
6. Mr. Tony Ashekomeh Jnr – Deputy Director
7. Mr. Emeka Ezechi – Deputy Director
8. Mr. Josiah Omenuwoma – Deputy Director

Obiora Ifoh, in the statement, highlighted the terms of reference of the directorate to include the following:

1. Coordinate the registration of all members of the OBIDIENT community and integrate them fully into the structure of the party. 
2. Ease Diaspora participation in the affairs of the party. 
3. Receive complaints and deal with same and where they are unable to deal with same, refer such complaints to the leadership of the party. 
4. Coordinate collection of dues and donations to the party and ensure that all OBIDIENTS are financial members of the party. 
5. Work closely with the National Youth Leader, National Women Leader, and National Organising Secretary in order to create programmes that will fully and effectively assimilate all members of the OBIDIENT family into the party. 

The inauguration of the Directorate will hold on Thursday 6 June 2024 at the NEC Hall, National Secretariat, Utako, 

However, taking to his X account, the former Anambra State governor declared that the popular Obidient Movement does not belong to or reside in any political party.

The post reads:

“I like to categorically state that the Obidient Movement is not a directorate of any particular political party. Any individual or individuals claiming to be leaders of this non-existent directorate are simply not members of the broader Obidient Movement.

“There may be a youth mobilization directorate in political parties but the Obidient movement is far beyond a particular political party. The Obidient Movement is a diverse and inclusive collective that transcends traditional political, religious, and ethnic affiliations.

“It is not domiciled within any particular party or headquartered in any particular part of the country. Its membership spans across Africa and the globe, comprising individuals from various backgrounds, including rural communities, and public, private, and corporate entities, united by a shared vision for a New and better Nigeria. Guided by the principles of adaptive and transformative change, progress, discipline, and democratic values, the Obidient Movement advocates for fairness, equity, inclusivity, and justice.

“It is committed to a strictly accountable and responsible code of government. Our members are committed to contributing to the realization of a better future for Nigeria through the New Nigeria project, anchored on loyalty, integrity, and democratic values.

“The Obidient Movement seeks to foster positive change through a commitment to integrity, honesty, and accountability, rejecting deceitful behaviours.

“We serve as a beacon of hope for a reimagined Nigeria, where leadership is grounded in character, capacity, competence, compassion and the well-being of all citizens.

“Let this serve as a clarification that the Obidient Movement operates independently of any political party, and its membership is not limited to any particular affiliation.

“Our focus remains steadfast on driving positive change and promoting a New Nigeria for all. This is who we are and will remain for all time”.

Eighteen-Eleven Media