Leader of the Obidient Movement in the South East, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has condemned the verbal attacks against former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, over his call for South East citizens to participate actively in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The backlash followed el-Rufai’s appearance at the 2025 Odenigbo Lecture in Owerri, where he urged greater voter participation. Some detractors branded him an “Igbo hater,” prompting condemnation from the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, whose Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, decried what he described as “hired, placard-carrying thugs” protesting outside Maria Assumpta Cathedral.
Speaking in Abuja, Dr. Ezeh dismissed the protests as the work of “desperate individuals” unsettled by el-Rufai’s recent declaration that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should zone its presidential ticket to the South for equity and inclusivity.
“Power-grabbing for its own sake is over,” Ezeh said. “El-Rufai’s message aligns perfectly with the Obidient Movement’s belief that a new Nigeria is possible. He should be appreciated for his forthrightness, not vilified because of his past affiliations.”
Ezeh stressed that South East politicians working for northern aspirants within the coalition talks should remember that Nigerians demand fairness and balanced leadership. He noted that el-Rufai’s advocacy for broad voter participation reflects the Obidient Movement’s commitment to ending political apathy.
“Apathy encourages vote thieves to steal the people’s mandate,” he warned. “We must mobilize, consult widely, and fight for our rights—2027 will be a decisive battle between the forces of light and darkness.”
Calling Mr. Peter Obi “the rallying point for a new Nigeria,” Ezeh urged opposition forces to unite around him as the 2027 elections approach.
“If the coalition is to succeed, all men and women of goodwill must back Peter Obi, whose ethical and competent leadership represents the Nigeria we dream of,” Ezeh concluded.