The Obidient Movement in Abia State has denied reports claiming it threatened to withdraw support for Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group said it never issued any ultimatum to the governor over his refusal to align with Peter Obi under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement released on Thursday, the movement described the reports as false and deliberately misleading. It urged Nigerians to ignore what it called a clear distortion of facts circulating in the media.
The statement was jointly signed by Mrs. Ebere Obiesie of the National and South East Advisory Council, Abia State Secretary Elder Bethel Nwokoma, and the group’s spokesperson, Dr. Chibuzor Obiesili.
According to the group, the controversy arose from a press conference it held on Wednesday. It said some media platforms misrepresented the purpose and content of that briefing. The movement clarified that it did not at any point issue a threat or demand against Governor Otti.
The Obidients explained that the press conference was focused on condemning alleged actions by former governors of Abia State and their political allies. It said those individuals were accused of working together to undermine the current administration.
Moreover, the group stressed that its comments were taken out of context. It insisted that its position has remained consistent and supportive of the Otti-led government.
Reaffirming its stance, the movement declared its continued loyalty to Governor Otti. It praised his administration for what it described as visible development efforts across the state.
Part of the statement read:
”The Obidient Movement, Abia State Chapter, has noted with concern a series of misleading reports and allegations circulating on some media platforms, suggesting that the Movement has threatened to withdraw its support for His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, over his stance regarding the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“We wish to categorically state that any purported call on Governor Alex Otti to defect to the ADC, as well as claims of an ultimatum or threat to withdraw support, do not represent the position of the Obidient Movement Abia State chapter. These assertions are false, baseless, and a gross misrepresentation of our collective stance.”
However, Obidient Movement also acknowledged what it called people-focused governance under Otti. It said the current administration has made deliberate efforts to rebuild and reposition Abia State.
It further distanced itself from what it described as a coordinated attack by three former governors and their associates. The movement accused them of attempting to discredit the present government for selfish reasons.
The statement added that such actions were against the interest of the state and threatened the progress already recorded.
The Obidient Movement concluded by restating its full support for Governor Otti. It commended his leadership style, transparency, and commitment to inclusive development, while warning the public against misinformation.