The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, has dismissed concerns of a crisis within the group, insisting that the movement continues to grow stronger despite the recent exit of some of its key members...READ FULL; ORIGINAL POST; FROM SOURCE.
Tanko’s remarks follow the resignation of the movement’s former Director of Finance, Peter Agada, who stepped down on Wednesday, citing a lack of structure and coordination. His departure came months after Morris Monye, the group’s former Director of Mobilisation, also resigned.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, Tanko maintained that the exits have had no negative impact on the Obidient Movement, which he said has recorded significant growth in both structure and membership.
“There is no crisis in the Obidient Movement at all. The departure of these people you mentioned has not affected the Obidient Movement negatively at all. In fact, it is waxing stronger,” he said.
Tanko disclosed that the movement now has leadership structures across all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, with representation in all 774 local government areas.
“At the moment, we have 37 leaders in each state of the federation. Right now, we are existing in 774 local governments of the federation. In each local government, we have three people as leaders. We also have more than 500 support groups worldwide under my leadership,” he stated.
He further revealed that the movement’s membership database has grown significantly, with increasing participation from Nigerians in the diaspora.
“Also, our database has risen to about 1.5 million people, and that is being mobilised continuously. We also have leadership in the diaspora today. All this information I have given you is verifiable,” Tanko added.
Addressing Agada’s resignation, Tanko alleged that the former finance director may be pursuing personal political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“For the person who left, when his appointment was made, did he call a world press conference to announce his appointment? The answer is no. So, why did he call a press conference to announce his resignation? That is to tell you that there is a motive behind it,” he said.
“This particular person wanted to run for the presidency on the Labour Party platform. So, he needed to put himself in the public media so that people could know him,” Tanko alleged.
Tanko also attributed some of the departures to differences in leadership expectations, noting that the movement operates a collegiate system rather than assigning prominent individual titles.
“People want to ascribe positions to themselves. However, Peter Obi wanted a collegiate team. In the media, we have a collegiate media team. In mobilisation, we have a team, the same as finance, logistics and others. Some people don’t like this idea of a collegiate team; they wanted the title,” he explained.
The Obidient Movement, a major support base for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, has continued its grassroots mobilisation efforts, which Tanko said have expanded significantly since the exit of some former leaders.
“Since Morris Monye left, the Obidient Movement’s membership has increased significantly. The fact is, people are resistant to changes when they are used to a particular norm,” he said.
He also cited recent activities of the group as evidence of its continued relevance and strength.
“Since Morris Monye left, the Obidient Movement did a birthday programme for Peter Obi. It was a global event which attracted widespread commendation. So, will you say his departure is an additional strength or weakness?” Tanko queried.