The Obidient Movement has dismissed reports claiming that its principal, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has been offered the position of running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a proposed 2027 political coalition.
The rebuttal comes amid reports that Atiku had offered Peter Obi the position of being his running mate in the 2027 election. Atiku reportedly promised Obi that he would serve only one term to allow Obi to stand for election in 2031.
But in a statement released on Monday and signed by Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communication and Media for the Obidient Movement, the group described the report as entirely false and speculative.
“The Obidient Movement has been inundated with calls from our members within and outside the country, including other members of the public, regarding a media publication claiming that our principal, Peter Obi, has been offered a running mate position to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the new coalition being formed ahead of 2027,” the statement began.
“Even though the publication is imaginary to the author, we find it appropriate to react in view of possible far-reaching misconceptions in the public space.”
The statement emphasised that while conversations around political alliances are ongoing, the objective is centred on governance reforms and national development, not on political ambition or office-seeking.
“While frank and cordial engagements with our partners and stakeholders towards a coalition continue amicably, the Obidient Movement would like to state emphatically that there is no truth or basis to the reports whatsoever.”
“Without any risk of contradiction, we would like to reiterate that Mr Obi has maintained that his objective and his involvement in a coalition are to provide a united front against, and to tackle, issues of bad governance, corruption, hunger, poverty, poor healthcare, out-of-school children, and the myriad of other problems daily afflicting the people of Nigeria.”
Kazaure reaffirmed that Peter Obi remains a member of the Labour Party and would make any change to that status public himself, should it ever occur.
“At this point in time, Mr Peter Obi remains in the Labour Party, and if ever this changes, he will make that announcement himself.”
Calling for restraint and responsibility in political reporting, the Obidient Movement urged the media and the public to focus on national progress rather than sensationalism.
“We want politics that is progressive, standing firmly with the people and serving the great people of Nigeria — and not politics just for the sake of grabbing power,” the statement read.
“The Obidient Movement would like to advise against sensationalism and speculation on these matters. At this difficult time, all Nigerians and the media, inclusive, should emphasise and contribute to building a better country.”
