The Obidient Movement has pushed back against recent comments by former senator Dino Melaye questioning the ability of Peter Obi to unify Nigeria and suggesting that “this is not his time” to become president.
In a statement released on Saturday, the group described Melaye’s remarks as a misreading of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape and the growing support for Obi across the country.
While acknowledging Melaye’s description of Obi as a “fantastic Nigerian” and a “great man,” the movement argued that the assertion that the former Anambra governor lacks the capacity to unite the country ignores the broad national coalition that formed around his candidacy during the 2023 presidential election.
According to the group, the emergence of the Obidient Movement demonstrated an unprecedented level of grassroots political mobilization across ethnic, religious, and regional lines.
“The 2023 election cycle saw Nigerians from different backgrounds rally around a shared vision of accountability, competence, and economic reform,” the statement said.
Supporters pointed to Obi’s performance in key locations during the election, including his victory in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as evidence that many voters were willing to look beyond traditional ethnic and regional voting patterns.
They also cited Obi’s choice of Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed as his running mate as a demonstration of his commitment to building an inclusive national leadership.
Beyond electoral performance, the movement highlighted Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra State, where he was widely recognized for fiscal prudence and investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
According to the statement, Obi’s governance record remains central to his political appeal, particularly among young Nigerians seeking leadership that prioritizes economic productivity, transparency, and responsible management of public resources.
The group maintained that Nigeria’s current economic and social challenges require a new approach to leadership, adding that Obi’s message of moving the country from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based one continues to resonate with many citizens.
“The question is not whether it is Peter Obi’s time,” the statement said. “The real question is whether Nigeria is ready for a new beginning defined by competence, accountability, and unity.”
The Obidient Movement concluded that the growing support for Obi reflects what it described as a new political consciousness among Nigerians determined to reshape the country’s leadership trajectory.
Obidient Movement Counters Dino Melaye’s Claims on Peter Obi’s Presidential Prospects
