The leadership of the Obidient Movement has dissociated itself from the recent endorsement of Governor Chukwuma Soludo ahead of the forthcoming November governorship election in Anambra State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement described the endorsement of Soludo for a second term by Ikenna Azomchine, who claimed to lead the movement in Anambra as fraudulent, unauthorised, and grossly misleading.
Recall that Azomchine, during a press conference on Monday, cited integrity and high performance as the reasons for leading the Obidient Movement in the state to endorse the governor.
However, in the statement, Tanko said that the Obidient Movement has not authorised, endorsed, or supported any candidate other than George Moghalu, the Labour Party’s candidate in the Anambra governorship poll.
According to Tanko, Moghalu who was earlier endorsed by the former governor of the state, Peter Obi remains the Movement’s choice and as such, any statement or representation suggesting otherwise is false and should be disregarded by the public.
He also stated that the Obidient Movement is an independent body guided solely by its mission to promote integrity, accountability, and people-centred leadership across Nigeria.
“Its (Obidient Movement) support for Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was based on his proven track record and commitment to national transformation. Therefore, any individual or faction claiming to endorse other candidates does so in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the Obidient Movement.
“The Movement strongly condemns the misuse of its name, logo, or identity to advance personal or political interests,” Tanko noted.
He also warned that the Obidient Movement does not participate in transactional politics or quid pro quo arrangements, and firmly rejects any attempt to exploit its goodwill for selfish or partisan ends.
Tanko assured that the group remains focused on promoting competent and ethical leadership across Nigeria and every future political decision including discussions on the 2027 presidential election, will be collectively made and communicated through the movement’s official channels only.
He assured Nigerians that the movement will continue to constructively engage everyone across all divides by upholding its core values of independence, integrity, and transparency.
He noted that every speculative narrative concerning the movement’s political direction should be further regarded as premature and baseless.