A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition, Chille Igbawua, has stressed that the Obidient movement will be a decisive force in Nigeria’s political future, especially as the country heads into the 2027 general elections.
According to him, far from being on the sidelines, many Obidient members are already deeply integrated into the coalition’s decision-making structures.
The Obidient movement, which gained influence during the 2023 elections, rallied behind Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
Driven largely by young people, professionals, and a vibrant online community, the group became a formidable grassroots campaign demanding political change and accountability.
Appearing on Arise Television on Friday, 26 September, Igbawua dismissed suggestions that Obi has distanced himself from the movement or from the ADC.
“They may be thinking that maybe they are better off identifying as the Obidients. But I can assure you that Obidients themselves are not static; they are growing. Don’t you need the Obidients in 2027? We definitely need them. And several of them are in the leadership of the party of the ADC, as I’m speaking to you,” he said.
He explained that while some individuals in the movement sometimes issue statements without Obi’s direct involvement, the former presidential candidate himself has remained fully active in the coalition.
“Sometimes when members of the Obidients make statements, we doubt whether they are consulting him. But Peter Obi has been participating in the process of the coalition right from the beginning until now,” Igbawua said.
He underscored Obi’s influence in shaping the coalition’s direction.
“The issue is that the vital and critical processes that we are going through, Peter Obi is part of it. He’s part of, you know, the leadership that constituted the reconstituted National Working Committee and NEC.
“And if you have no keen interest in a political party and you are moving your principal persons into their leadership, then I don’t know what else will show us that. He’s not from outside,” he said.
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Acknowledging divisions within the Labour Party, Igbawua noted that fissures have also affected the Obidient movement.
However, he stressed that those loyal to Obi are firmly aligned with the ADC-led coalition.
“We are working with them. The national chairman of the party, of the Labour Party, is with us at meetings every time we meet, along with Peter Obi,” he added.
He further pointed to Obi’s own public remarks as proof of his commitment to the coalition’s vision.
“I have seen him say in audio and video messages that he is a member of the party and that he is there not just for the purpose of getting a ticket for the presidency.
“He is there to salvage Nigeria. That is what he has said himself. So I’d rather believe Peter Obi himself, who is at meetings with us, than believe those who were part of his 2023 ambition,” Igbawua said.
Looking ahead, he explained that the coalition is working beyond campaign rhetoric and is already preparing to govern effectively.
He highlighted efforts to finalise a constitution, draft a clear manifesto, and produce a blueprint for governing.
“We are working towards a workable manifesto, and we are working towards developing a blueprint for an ADC government.
“So that when we come into government, we’re not going to start looking left and right, what do we do? Because these are being worked upon.
“And so we’re coming ready to start to hit the ground running on day one when we take over, you know, governance in Nigeria,” he stated.
In his remarks, Igbawua positioned the Obidient movement not just as a campaign tool but as a transformative political force partnering with the ADC to push beyond electoral ambition into concrete plans for governance.