Why Obidients Are Saying ‘Peter Obi Or Nothing’ – Ijeh

A stakeholder of the Obidients Movement, Justin Ijeh, has disclosed why supporters are insisting that former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, get the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket.

He stated that Obidients are backing Obi because of their confidence in his leadership qualities.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television, he dismissed claims that the group had rejected coalition-building efforts within the ADC.

He asserted that the Movement is already integrating into the party’s structures following Obi’s official entry.

He, however, expressed concern over emerging narratives suggesting a predetermined outcome in the party’s internal process.

Ijeh urged the ADC leadership to harness the passion of Obi’s supporters rather than dismiss it, emphasising the need for transparency, consensus-building, and trust.

According to him, party leaders should reassure members, listen to diverse opinions, and ensure that all voices are heard as the political process unfolds.

He said: “So when we say Peter Obi or nothing, coming from a movement that is named “the obedient movement”, I think it’s right to know what we mean. But for people who may choose to misconstrue it or put a different spin on it, let me spell it out plainly. It is simply a statement that is affirmative of where we stand in the political process. We have chosen Peter Obi right in the midst of so many players who have a right to run and who are capable of running.

“A generation of Nigerians who were previously accused of being apathetic to politics in the past few years, looked at the situation and really, in a very organic process, evolved to say, You know what? We want to be a part of this process, and in being a part of this process, we need to look at the playing field and determine who, amongst these players, right, best embodies the values that we have.

“So when we say Peter Obi or nothing, we are affirming where we stand. Does that mean we have rejected the coalition-building process? No, we are part of it. We are currently engaging, if you look at the news around the country, ‘obedients’, since his (Obi’s) official joining of the ADC, has started making moves to actually join the partisan structure itself.

“And let’s address the elephant in the room. Having said all that, I said a certain rhetoric started to emerge, which we will not be shy about responding to, a certain rhetoric that made it look like there’s a predetermined outcome right of the process. And let me say this way, if I were the spokesperson of the ADC, here’s what I would say to people who are loudly, not insulting anyone, but loudly and rightfully so, affirming their support for a specific individual. I will speak to their passion. I would not poo-poo it. I would harness that passion. I would seek to gain their trust. I will reassure them, because there is a trust deficit in this country.

“I will not lecture. I will seek to gain consensus. I will seek to gain their trust. I will seek to reassure you that, hey, listen, guys, we hear you. We understand you. Okay, so here’s what we’re going to do in this process. We’re going to make it as transparent as possible, right? We’re going to make sure that all voices are heard. I will not seek to shut down any voices at such an early stage of talk”