The Obidient Movement in Sokoto State has emphatically rejected any proposal for Peter Obi to assume the vice-presidential role in the 2027 elections. They argue that such a move would be a profound betrayal of the trust and aspirations of millions of Nigerians who see Obi as a leader capable of transforming the nation. This stance was articulated during a press conference at the Sokoto State Secretariat, where movement stakeholders also countered assertions by former Labour Party member Kenneth Okonkwo, who suggested that only a northern candidate could defeat President Bola Tinubu in the next election cycle. The movement dismissed Okonkwo’s remarks as divisive, undemocratic, and antithetical to the Obidient Movement’s core principles of competence, inclusivity, and national unity, emphasizing that their focus is on leadership qualities, not regional or ethnic considerations.
The movement firmly believes that Peter Obi embodies pan-Nigerian leadership, evidenced by his strong performance in the 2023 presidential election, where he secured victories in diverse locations like Lagos and Abuja. These wins, they argue, demonstrate a willingness among Nigerian voters to transcend ethnic and regional biases and choose candidates based on merit. They underscored Obi’s burgeoning popularity in the North, highlighting the robust presence of Obidient support networks across all 23 local government areas of Sokoto State. Furthermore, they cited the recent conferment of the honorary title “Sarkin Maskan Pantami” on Obi in Gombe State as further testament to his growing acceptance and recognition as a leader of integrity in the northern region. This, they believe, contradicts the narrative that only a northern candidate can garner significant support in the region.
The Sokoto Obidient Movement emphasized the significance of the 2023 election results, where Obi garnered over 6.1 million votes, including a victory against Tinubu in his political stronghold of Lagos. They pointed out that the combined votes of Obi and Atiku Abubakar exceeded 13 million, significantly surpassing Tinubu’s 8.79 million. This, they contend, demonstrates the potential of a united opposition to displace the incumbent administration in 2027. They see Obi, Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi, and other prominent figures as potential components of a powerful coalition capable of challenging the current political landscape. The movement believes that focusing on individual candidacies at this stage is premature and that the emphasis should be on building a broad-based movement focused on shared values and a commitment to good governance.
The movement categorically dismissed the idea of Obi accepting a vice-presidential position, emphasizing his symbolic role in representing a new Nigeria. They believe he must remain the presidential flagbearer in 2027, stating that any deviation from this path would be a grave injustice to the hopes of millions who see him as the embodiment of positive change. To further solidify their commitment to Obi’s candidacy, they launched the “North for Obi” initiative, designed to amplify support for Obi across northern Nigeria, particularly in light of the economic hardships and security challenges experienced under the Tinubu administration. This initiative aims to counter narratives that paint Obi as a regional candidate and solidify his national appeal. The movement firmly believes that Obi’s message of competence, accountability, and unity resonates across the country and transcends regional divides.
Addressing concerns about potential rigging in the 2027 elections, the Sokoto Obidient Movement urged Nigerians to reject political apathy and actively participate in advocating for electoral reforms and upholding democratic principles. They stressed that accepting defeat prematurely is not an option, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding votes, demanding transparency, and maintaining faith in the possibility of meaningful change. The movement firmly believes that a robust and engaged citizenry is essential for protecting the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that the will of the people prevails. They called for a collective effort to strengthen democratic institutions and create a level playing field for all contestants.
Finally, the movement appealed to other political leaders to refrain from divisive rhetoric and prioritize the formation of a united front in anticipation of the next general election. They underscored that the movement transcends individual ambitions and called on all Nigerians committed to justice, competence, and good governance to join forces in building a stronger, more inclusive coalition. They emphasized that the ultimate goal is to create a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their region, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. The Sokoto Obidient Movement believes that a united front is the most effective way to achieve this goal and create a truly representative government that serves the interests of all Nigerians.
