The Peter Obi-aligned Obidient Movement has dismissed claims by a rival faction that it expelled former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and activist Yunusa Tanko from the movement. It says it’s all propaganda to distract people.

Many Nigerians online call them enemies of a better Nigeria, saying, ” He has Obedient when they have Obidient ‘ two different things

The controversy began after a separate group claiming to represent the movement announced a leadership change and declared that Obi and Tanko had been removed. The faction also announced plans to change the movement’s name from “Obidient” to “Obedient.”

However, leaders loyal to Obi have rejected the announcement, insisting that there is no recognised parallel leadership within the movement.

The rival faction’s coordinator, Dr Barry Avotu Johnson, claimed he founded the movement before it later adopted Peter Obi ahead of the 2023 presidential election. He also accused Obi’s camp of allegedly hijacking the movement for personal and political interests.

Supporters of the mainstream Obidient Movement have since distanced themselves from the claims, maintaining that Peter Obi remains the symbol and central figure of the movement that gained national attention during the 2023 elections.

The Obidient Movement became one of Nigeria’s strongest youth-driven political campaigns during the last general election, attracting millions of supporters across the country and online.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi recently drew public attention after he was reportedly seen helping to settle a disagreement between two motorists at the Lagos airport shortly after returning from Anambra, where he donated ₦25 million to the University of the Niger.

The development has continued to generate reactions online, with many supporters insisting that the movement remains united behind Obi despite the growing internal dispute.