The Obidient Movement, a grassroots political group backing former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has raised serious concerns over what it describes as its systematic exclusion from the leadership and decision-making processes of the opposition coalition.
In a letter dated July 29, 2025, and addressed to Obi, the group expressed frustration at being sidelined from strategic meetings and denied leadership roles, despite what it called its “numerical strength and value” within the broader opposition alliance.
The letter, signed by the movement’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, was titled “Concerns on Representation and Communication in Coalition Activities.” It warned that continued marginalisation could undermine trust and cohesion within the coalition ahead of critical political realignments.
“Your Excellency,” the letter reads, “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 group alleged that designated representatives had been shut out of crucial meetings where major policy and organisational decisions were made. “This creates an impression of marginalisation and undermines trust, which is essential for building a sustainable partnership,” it stated.
While reaffirming its commitment to a united opposition front, the movement called for a more inclusive leadership structure that reflects its contributions. Specifically, it proposed the inclusion of at least one Working Committee member and one Non-Working Committee member representing the Obidient Movement in each of the six geopolitical zones.
“We believe these measures are crucial to building trust and repositioning the coalition for success,” the group said.
Dr. Tanko concluded the letter with an appeal to Obi to personally intervene and ensure the concerns are addressed by the leadership of the Labour Party and the broader coalition. “We look forward to you resolving this with the party leadership. In the spirit of the new Nigeria we want to build,” he wrote.
The development highlights emerging tensions within Nigeria’s opposition bloc as it seeks to regroup and redefine its strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the Labour Party gained significant momentum during the 2023 election cycle, internal divisions now pose a potential risk to its cohesion and influence.
Neither Peter Obi nor the Labour Party had issued an official response as of the time of filing this report.
