Coalition marginalising us, Obidients allege in letter to Peter Obi

Members of the Obidient Movement have raised concerns over their exclusion from key leadership roles and strategic decision-making within the emerging opposition coalition, warning that continued marginalisation could undermine unity and trust within the alliance.

In a letter dated July 29, 2025, and addressed to the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the movement expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the deliberate sidelining of its members from leadership structures and high-level coalition meetings.

The letter, titled “Concerns on Representation and Communication in Coalition Activities,” was signed by the movement’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko. It highlighted that despite the Obidient Movement’s large following and significant contributions to the coalition’s popularity and grassroots mobilisation, it has been systematically excluded from critical processes.

“Your Excellency, we write on behalf of the Obidient Movement to express our deep concerns regarding recent developments within the coalition’s systems. Our people are being deliberately excluded at all levels,” the letter reads in part.

According to the group, designated representatives of the movement have not been invited to important meetings where key coalition decisions are taken, a trend they say creates a perception of marginalisation and erodes mutual trust.

“The current structure does not reflect the Obidient Movement’s strength and value within the coalition,” the letter continued. “We strongly believe that there should be at least one Working Committee member and one Non-Working Committee member representing the Obidient Movement in each geopolitical zone.”

The group emphasised its commitment to the shared vision of a united opposition, but warned that failure to address their concerns could compromise the collective effort.

“We believe these measures are crucial to building trust and repositioning the coalition for success. We look forward to your intervention in resolving this matter with the party leadership, in the spirit of the new Nigeria we all seek to build,” the letter concluded.

The Obidient Movement, which emerged as a political force during the 2023 general election, consists largely of young Nigerians and reform-minded citizens who supported Peter Obi’s presidential bid under the Labour Party.