The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that the ‘Obidient’ movement is an Igbo agenda or an attempt to Christianise Nigeria, stating that the philosophy of the movement is to birth a united Nigeria where the youth have a sense of belonging.
He stated that his role in the movement is as a focal point, adding that his aspiration is for a united Nigeria where the youth from all geopolitical zones have a sense of belonging.
He wrote: “In the life of every nation, there is a turning point. For Nigeria, that time is now; a time to save Nigeria, save our democracy and give the Nigerian youths hope. The OBIdient Movement has been the arrowhead in the take back Nigeria mission.
“My role in the Movement is that of a Focal Point. As I’ve always stressed, Nigeria remains a secular state. As such, the movement is not about my tribe or my religion, and it is not an Igbo agenda or in any way, to Christianize Nigeria.
He called on everyone to refrain from attributing ethnic or religious connotations to the OBIdient movement, promising to become the President of a united and indivisible Nigeria.
“My aspiration is for a new Nigeria, where the children of a nobody will become somebody. A nation anchored on national interests, and not sectional interests; where the entire youths from the six geopolitical zones will have a sense of belonging in the affairs of their country.
“No one should ascribe ethnic or religious colouration to the OBIdient Movement. Nigeria is one and my ambition is to become the President of a United and Indivisible Nigeria.”
What you should know
The movement’s name – OBIdient – is a coinage from ‘OBI’, out of the LP’s presidential candidates name, which means “heart” in the Igbo language; and “obedience” to symbolise the need for Nigerians to have a sincere and obedient heart towards their country.