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The Obidient Movement in Nigeria: A youth-led transformation

The Obi-dient Movement is a political movement in Nigeria that aims to elect Peter Obi as President of Nigeria in the 2023 general elections. The movement seeks to create an enabling environment, provide direction to support groups, and rewrite the Nigerian narrative through Peter Obi’s candidacy. Their slogan is “OBIdients! Answer: Its Possible!” and their campaign message is “OBIMustBe.” The movement encourages Nigerians to join and work towards the common goal of electing Peter Obi as President. They have a website and an app called The Obidients App to provide information about their activities. Peter Obi’s running mate is Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed and both champion this noble cause in Nigeria. The movement is seen as transformative for Nigeria’s future.

Origins and evolution of the Obidient Movement

The roots of the Obidient Movement can be traced back to the EndSARS protests of 2020. In these protests, thousands of young Nigerians demanded an end to the SARS police unit. Building upon the energy and activism of that movement, the Obidient Movement emerged as a continuation. It was fueled by change and hope for a better Nigeria. Key figures such as Peter Obi, the former state governor, played a significant role in galvanizing support for the movement.

Objectives and ideology of the Obidient Movement

The Obidient Movement seeks to address various socio-political issues and bring about meaningful change in Nigeria. At its core, the movement demands youth empowerment, inclusion, and opportunities for a better future. It emphasizes the importance of frugality and accountability in governance. It aims to challenge the profligacy of the Nigerian elite and create a more responsible leadership that serves the interests of the people.

Political influence and electoral impact

The Obidient Movement has significantly influenced Nigerian politics, especially in the 2023 presidential and national legislative elections. It has rallied behind Peter Obi’s candidacy, attracting a youthful generation tired of the status quo. The movement’s impact on the elections has been stunning, with the Labour Party (LP) succeeding. By challenging established parties, the Obidient Movement disrupted Nigeria’s political landscape.

Role of social media and street processes

Similar to the #EndSARS movement, the Obidient Movement leverages social media platforms to mobilize and engage with its supporters. Educated youths with a strong online presence drive the movement, utilizing street processions to amplify their message. Moreover, the movement has embarked on voluntary fundraising efforts to finance its activities, demonstrating its members’ commitment.

The Obidient Movement as a political phenomenon

Political rallies serve as a key element of the Obidient Movement, employing mob psychology and propaganda to rally support and create an atmosphere of change. The movement is viewed as a transformative force in Nigerian politics, attracting widespread attention and reshaping the political landscape. It has become the largest movement in Nigeria, symbolizing a generation’s aspirations and hopes.

Obedient movement and leadership

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has outlined the vision and agenda of the Obidient Movement. He aims to reposition Nigeria and provide strong leadership through the movement. The movement transcends tribal and ethnic divides, uniting Nigerians for a better future.

Challenges and criticisms

Despite its achievements, the Obidient Movement faces challenges and criticism. Some question its ability to transition from a movement to an opposition group with a clear ideological stance. Critics argue that the movement lacks a defined ideology and often displays uncivil behavior, hampering its credibility as a political force. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the potential for crises and conflicts if the movement fails to evolve beyond its current state.

Join the movement

To join the movement, interested individuals can register on the movement’s website. The website also provides information about the movement’s objectives, leadership, and activities. The movement has an app called The Obidients App, available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The app supports the Obi-dient Movement and provides information about activities, news, and events.


FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. Is the Obidient Movement affiliated with any political party? No, the Obidient Movement is not affiliated with any particular political party. It operates as a grassroots movement advocating for change and supporting candidates aligned with its objectives.
  2. What role does Peter Obi play in the Obidient Movement? Peter Obi, a former state governor, has emerged as a key figure in the Obidient Movement. He has rallied support for the movement and presented his vision for repositioning Nigeria and providing leadership.
  3. How has social media contributed to the growth of the Obidient Movement? Social media platforms have played a crucial role in mobilizing and engaging with supporters of the Obidient Movement. It has allowed for widespread dissemination of the movement’s message and facilitated organization and coordination among its members.
  4. What are the main criticisms of the Obidient Movement? The Obidient Movement has faced criticism for its lack of clear ideology and occasional uncivil behavior. Some question its ability to transition into a structured opposition group with a defined agenda beyond the elections.
  5. What are the future prospects of the Obidient Movement? The future of the Obidient Movement remains uncertain, but its impact on Nigerian politics cannot be ignored. As the largest movement in the country, it has the potential to continue shaping the political landscape and advocating for positive change.

With its demands for youth empowerment, frugality, and accountability, the movement has shaken up the political landscape and played a significant role in the 2023 elections. The movement’s impact extends beyond electoral politics, with a strong presence on social media and street processions. However, challenges remain in terms of ideological clarity and maintaining civility. The Obidient Movement signifies the aspirations and frustrations of a generation striving for positive change in Nigeria.

Izu Mgbaemena

I'm Izu Mgbaemena, a Nigerian-based writer for Naijadazz. I love sharing stories about Nigerian culture, food, music and more. As a frequent contributor to Naijadazz, I relish the opportunity to showcase the endlessly fascinating aspects of Nigerian culture to a global audience.