Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, a prominent leader of the Obidient Movement in the south-east, says Nigerians are prepared to resist any attempt to suppress or sideline Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Ezeh said the July 19 “Day of Obidient Service”, held in honour of Obi’s 64th birthday, was more than a celebration, it was a public declaration of a collective yearning for a new Nigeria driven by integrity, justice, and compassion.
He described the nationwide commemorative events as “a great display of revulsion to primitive accumulation that has rubbished public service”, and a reflection of the people’s resolve to reject corrupt leadership.
Ezeh commended Nigerians, especially women and youths, for “creatively amplifying the philosophy of the Obidient Movement” using their own resources, calling their efforts a symbol of hope for Nigeria’s future.
He called on opposition parties, especially members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to rally around Obi ahead of the 2027 elections, likening his rise to the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.
“In 2027, Nigerians will elect their leaders. We have seen what happened in Senegal and recently in Ghana. Courts do not decide who leads or represents the people. If there is any tie, a rerun should be conducted. Nobody will be going to court to decide elections,” Ezeh said.
He warned of alleged plans by the ruling party to shrink the political space for Obi, citing a recent comment by Senator Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo state, as a “revelation” of broader efforts to undermine the movement.
His words: “We have seen the desperation on the other side. Plans to shrink the campaign stage are currently being worked out. Nigerians should be taking notice.”
He added that any scheme to push Obi out of the race would trigger mass mobilisation.
“If mad men took over the asylum, Nigerians should be prepared to get equally mad to retrieve what is truly theirs by right and fact,” Ezeh declared.
He also referenced a remark by Benue governor, Hyacinth Alia, as an early sign of the ruling establishment’s fears, warning that “a raw awakening awaits anyone who believes removing Obi will guarantee the survival of a criminal political structure”.