The leadership of the Obidient Movement has dismissed claims that its coalition activities within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are divisive, insisting that the group remains Nigeria’s most diverse political coalition.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, said the movement’s goal is to build a nation that works for everyone, regardless of party affiliation.
“We remain committed to building a new Nigeria and will continue to engage all stakeholders, including the ADC, in a constructive but accountable manner,” Yunusa stated.
Yunusa explained that attempts to label the Obidient Movement as divisive misrepresent its origins and purpose.
“Obidients did not emerge out of extremism or intolerance. The movement arose from years of poor governance, worsening poverty, institutional decay, and a political system that consistently shut out ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
He added that millions of Nigerians, particularly young people, became politically engaged not to divide the country but because they were tired of recycled leadership and empty promises.
Role in Coalitions
The coordinator stressed that the participation of Obidients in the ADC coalition follows the same logic of building broader alternatives.
“Joining a coalition does not require silence or blind loyalty. On the contrary, it demands active engagement, accountability, and scrutiny. A coalition that fears questioning voices is not one prepared to govern a complex society like Nigeria,” Yunusa said.
He emphasized that passion in politics should not be criminalized, noting that reform-driven movements are vocal because they are motivated by conviction rather than patronage.
Yunusa rejected portrayals of the Obidient Movement as a rigid bloc.
“Obidients are professionals, traders, students, civil servants, and Nigerians across regions and religions, united by simple demands for transparency, competence, and accountable leadership,” he explained.
He argued that disagreeing with political opponents does not amount to hatred, and rejecting the status quo should not be framed as division.
Electoral Impact
Addressing concerns about electoral chances, Yunusa said claims that Obidients would ruin outcomes ignore political reality.
“Elections are not won or lost because supporters speak loudly online. They are determined by organisation, alliances, credibility, and leadership. Blaming engaged citizens for political failure is an easy distraction from the harder work of governance,” he noted.
He concluded that the movement represents an opportunity to build more accountable and participatory politics.
“Obidients are not the problem. Within the ADC coalition and beyond, the movement represents an opportunity to build a more accountable and participatory politics. Any coalition or party serious about governing Nigeria must learn to engage such citizens, not fear them,” Yunusa said.
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