Crisis Hits Obidient Movement as ‘General’ Declares Support for Tinubu

CRISIS has erupted within the Obidient movement, after its self-styled ‘Obident General’, Ikenna Azomchine, publicly declared his total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – promising to deliver more than 50 per cent of the Southeast vote.

In an interview, Mr Azomchine, who also serves as the Southeast Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, claimed that Peter Obi’s support structures and groups had collapsed since the 2023 election, making a victory in 2027 “far-fetched”.

He told reporters that poor coordination and a lack of funding had left the movement a shadow of its former self.

“In 2023, the Obidient Movement Worldwide led by me was able to coordinate both the sub structures and super structures of the movement,” Mr Azomchine said.

“Personally, as Obident General, I sponsored the majority of activities of the Obident Movement using my own funds. I sponsored activities in many states – mobilising men and resources for Peter Obi’s presidency.

“But after the 2023 general elections, things began to deteriorate. People are no longer keen to support the movement.”

He accused senators, representatives and assembly members who won seats under the Labour Party of turning their backs on the cause.

He also criticised Mr Obi – whom he described as a “multi-billionaire” – for refusing to release funds, leaving the movement “starved”.

Mr Azomchine further alleged that Mr Obi had not given the movement free hands to operate, despite failing to fund it himself.

He claimed that many leaders within the movement had been imposed, leading to its decline.

“Efforts made over the years to make Peter Obi see reasons to appreciate, support and fund the movement did not yield results,” he said. “That has forced me and many others to pull out and invest our political capital where it will yield results.”

Explaining his decision to back President Tinubu, Mr Azomchine said: “I’m not into this movement for monetary gains. We decided to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because he has the structure, resources and proper coordination to win the 2027 presidential election. As it stands, Peter Obi cannot boast of such.”

He outlined a long-term strategy, arguing that power should remain in the South until 2031.

“2023 to 2031 is for the South. Tinubu is already there for the South. We’ll support Tinubu to complete his second tenure, then it will go to the North. We hope to see an Igbo man emerge as Vice President then. After the tenure of the North, we hope to see an Igbo man emerge as President.”

He concluded with a firm pledge: “To demonstrate our seriousness, we shall give Mr President more than 50 per cent of total Southeast votes, and we’re not joking about this promise.”