Obidient Movement Dispels Atiku Running Mate Rumours, Reaffirms Obi’s Loyalty to Labour Party
In what appears to be a strategic rebuttal to growing political misinformation ahead of the 2027 elections, the Obidient Movement—the powerhouse of grassroots support for Mr. Peter Obi—has categorically denied reports that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate has defected or entered into any new political coalition.
The movement’s Director of Strategic Communication and Media, Nana Kazaure, made the position clear in a strongly worded statement issued Monday in Abuja. According to Kazaure, Mr. Obi remains firmly rooted in the Labour Party, and any speculation about his joining forces with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—or accepting a subordinate role in a supposed coalition—is baseless.
“Peter Obi is still in the Labour Party. Should that ever change, he will be the one to make that announcement—not a speculative news outlet,” Kazaure affirmed, distancing the movement from swirling reports that claim Obi was offered the vice-presidential slot in a new Atiku-led coalition ahead of 2027.
The Context Behind the Rumour Mill
The rumours come against the backdrop of renewed political manoeuvring and backdoor coalition talks among Nigeria’s opposition ranks, as the country gradually sets its sights on the 2027 general elections. With the All Progressives Congress (APC) still holding the reins of power and President Bola Tinubu consolidating his influence, opposition figures are increasingly aware that a fragmented front will not unseat the status quo.
However, while coalition talks are not unusual in the current political climate, the idea that Obi—who inspired millions of young Nigerians and redefined third-force politics in 2023—would play second fiddle to an Atiku candidacy has been met with fierce pushback from his ardent supporters, known collectively as the “Obidients.”
Kazaure’s statement appears designed not just to correct the record, but to reaffirm the ideological identity of the movement: a politics rooted in accountability, good governance, and progressive values—not opportunism.
A Rejection of Power-For-Power’s-Sake Politics
Kazaure emphasized that while Mr. Obi remains open to genuine collaboration with like-minded political actors, his participation in any coalition must serve a larger national purpose—not personal ambition or recycled power blocs.
“Obi’s objective has always been to offer a united, principled front against bad governance, corruption, hunger, poverty, and a failing healthcare system,” she said, reiterating that any political collaboration must reflect the movement’s values and not a mere quest for power.
This distinction is critical as the Labour Party continues to struggle with internal fractures and external pressures. The party’s relative success in the 2023 elections was driven largely by Obi’s personal credibility, his non-traditional support base, and the digital firepower of the Obidient Movement. Any deviation from these principles, supporters argue, would dilute the moral authority the movement has worked hard to build.
Media Responsibility in a Politically Volatile Era
The Obidient Movement also took aim at the media, calling for responsible journalism and an end to politically motivated sensationalism. With the 2027 political cycle already heating up and the public growing weary of recycled politicians and shifting alliances, the call for restraint is both timely and warranted.
“At this difficult time, all Nigerians—and the media included—should focus on contributing to the building of a better country,” the statement concluded.
The Bottom Line
While the rumour of an Obi-Atiku alliance may have ignited speculation within political circles, the Obidient Movement has made it abundantly clear: Peter Obi is not trading in his convictions for a political deal. For now, he remains with the Labour Party, and any shift in that posture will come directly from him—not through whispers or clickbait headlines.
As 2027 looms, one thing is evident: the battle for Nigeria’s future will not be fought solely on the pages of newspapers, but in the hearts of citizens demanding better. And in that battle, the Obidient Movement insists its loyalty lies not with political elites, but with the Nigerian people.
