***Peter Obi Approves Leadership to Strengthen Nationwide Mobilization

The Obidient Movement, widely regarded as the most dynamic political awakening in Nigeria’s recent history, has taken a decisive step in solidifying its structure with the appointment of a new Advisory Council.
The announcement, made by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the movement, marks a shift from electoral activism to long-term political and social influence.
Explaining further, Tako said though once driven by the 2023 presidential campaign of Peter Obi, the Obidient Movement has evolved into a structured, ideological force challenging Nigeria’s traditional political establishment.
“While critics dismissed it as a fleeting protest movement, its continued growth and organization prove otherwise.
By establishing a well-structured Advisory Council, the movement is laying the groundwork for a more strategic political engagement that transcends elections Tanko reiterated.
Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, Dele Farotimi, Chris Iyovwaye, Chris Nwakobia, Ibrahim H. Abdulkareem, and High Chief Peter Ameh are among the newly appointed leaders tasked with deepening grassroots mobilization, enhancing policy engagement, and shaping the movement’s future trajectory.
The Obidient Movement remains unique in its grassroots-driven approach, with no reliance on the traditional party structures that often dominate Nigerian politics.
Its ability to rally millions especially the youth against corruption, economic hardship, and weak governance has been its defining strength.

Dr. Yunusa Tanko emphasized that the movement’s ethos is built around the 5Cs ofCompetence in Delivering results, Character in Leading with integrity, Capacity in Handling complexity, Credibility Earning trust and Compassion in Putting the people first.
According to Tanko unlike many political movements that fizzle out post-election, the Obidient Movement is transitioning into a structured political force with long-term objectives.

The newly formed Advisory Council according to the coordinator is expected to expand grassroots mobilization across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, strengthen political engagement and advocacy beyond election cycles.
“They are also to develop policies and strategies that influence governance at all levels and promote volunteerism and civic participation among young Nigerians.”

This structural evolution Tanko said will ensure that the movement remains a potent political force, influencing decision-making and governance rather than merely reacting to elections.
As the Obidient Movement continues to build on its gains, he said the appointment of the Advisory Council signifies its commitment to long-term national transformation.
“By positioning itself as a watchdog over governance, a mobilization force, and a policy-driven movement, it aims to redefine Nigeria’s political landscape.

“While Peter Obi remains a central figure in the movement, the real power now lies in its widespread network of volunteers, strategists, and reform advocates, a collective force that is determined to keep Nigeria’s leadership accountable.

As the movement looks ahead, one thing is clear: the Obidient Movement is not just a moment; it is a movement with a mission to redefine Nigeria’s future.

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as a leadership dispute over the party’s National Secretary position led to a heated physical altercation at the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting in Abuja.

The meeting, chaired by former Senate President Senator Adolphus Wabara, was meant to address key party issues, but tensions flared when two rival factions clashed over the contested role of National Secretary.
The scuffle broke out when Sunday Ude-Okoye, the PDP’s former National Youth Leader and a contender for the National Secretary position, arrived late at the meeting.
Although initially allowed in, he was later forcefully removed by suspected political thugs, an action that escalated into a heated confrontation.
His rival, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who previously held the National Secretary position before contesting the Imo governorship election, has been locked in a battle to reclaim the role despite a court ruling in favor of Ude-Okoye in December 2024.

Eyewitnesses reported that as Ude-Okoye entered the meeting, he greeted the officials but deliberately snubbed Anyanwu. Moments later, security personnel attempted to escort him out of the venue, triggering protests from his supporters, who accused the PDP leadership of bias.
The PDP’s South East caucus had earlier endorsed Ude-Okoye as the replacement for Anyanwu, following his loss in the Imo governorship race.
However, Anyanwu has continued to challenge the decision, securing a Stay of Execution while pursuing an appeal against the court ruling that upheld Ude-Okoye’s appointment.
The brawl at the BoT meeting is the latest evidence of the deep divisions within the opposition party, raising concerns about PDP’s internal stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As of the time of filing this report, the meeting had gone into a closed-door session, with Ude-Okoye still protesting outside the PDP headquarters over what he described as “an orchestrated attempt to silence legitimate voices within the party.”
The incident underscored the growing factionalism within the PDP, which has struggled to maintain unity since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election. Analysts warn that if unresolved, the ongoing power struggle could further weaken the party’s chances of mounting a strong challenge in future elections.

With the National Secretary position still unresolved, all eyes are now on the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the courts to determine the next steps in this escalating leadership crisis.

A major legal battle was averted on Tuesday as the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti struck out the defamation case against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, following an intervention by prominent traditional rulers.
The case, which had drawn significant public attention, was filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, after Farotimi’s remarks in an interview allegedly defamed renowned legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola. The comments were linked to his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System.
While the legal proceedings were ongoing, a behind-the-scenes negotiation led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, alongside other influential monarchs in Ekiti State, played a pivotal role in resolving the matter.
Following a midnight meeting, Afe Babalola agreed to withdraw his complaint, paving the way for the discontinuation of the case.
During the court session on Tuesday, the prosecution, represented by Mr. Samson Osobu, formally requested that the case be struck out, citing the nominal complainant’s decision to discontinue legal action.
The defense, led by senior lawyer Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), did not oppose the request.
Justice Babs Kuewumi subsequently ruled in favor of the discontinuance, striking out the case and bringing an end to what could have been a prolonged legal confrontation.
The case highlighted the influential role of traditional rulers in dispute resolution, particularly in delicate legal matters involving high-profile individuals. By leveraging their cultural and moral authority, these leaders facilitated an amicable settlement outside the courtroom.
For Farotimi, a vocal advocate of human rights and judicial reforms, this development is likely to reinforce his stance on Nigeria’s legal system, while also demonstrating the power of dialogue over litigation in resolving conflicts.
With this legal hurdle behind him, it remains to be seen how Farotimi will navigate future engagements in the public sphere.
Meanwhile, the intervention of traditional rulers continues to affirm their relevance in Nigeria’s evolving socio-political landscape.