The Obidient Movement has rejected claims that it promotes divisive rhetoric within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition, arguing that such accusations reflect discomfort among political actors with accountability and open engagement.
The movement was responding to remarks by ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, who during a live audio session on X cautioned supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi—popularly known as Obidients—against what he described as divisive messaging ahead of the party’s June primaries. Abdullahi warned that slogans such as “Peter Obi or nothing” could narrow outreach and harden political positions across regions.
His comments sparked strong reactions online, with Obidient supporters accusing the ADC leadership of attempting to marginalise their influence within the coalition.
In a statement issued on Monday and titled “Calling Obidients ‘Divisive’ Is What Politicians Do When They Fear Accountability,” the movement said the label fundamentally misrepresents its origins and values.
According to the statement, the Obidient Movement did not emerge from extremism or intolerance, but from widespread frustration over poor governance, deepening poverty, institutional decay, and a political system that consistently excluded ordinary Nigerians. It noted that millions—particularly young people—became politically active not to divide the country, but to challenge recycled leadership and unfulfilled promises.
Addressing its role within the ADC coalition, the group stressed that coalition politics does not require silence or unquestioning loyalty.
“Coalitions are meant to aggregate ideas, encourage debate, and build broader alternatives,” the statement said, adding that any coalition uncomfortable with scrutiny and critical voices is ill-prepared to govern a diverse and complex society like Nigeria.
The movement also defended the passion of its supporters, describing vocal political engagement as a hallmark of democratic reform movements rather than a threat to national unity.
“Passion in politics is not a crime. In functioning democracies, reform movements are vocal because they are driven by conviction, not patronage,” it said.
Rejecting portrayals of Obidients as a rigid or monolithic bloc, the group described its members as Nigerians from diverse professions, regions, and religious backgrounds, united by demands for transparency, competence, and accountable leadership.
The statement further dismissed claims that Obidients could undermine the coalition’s electoral prospects, arguing that elections are won through organisation, credibility, alliances, and leadership—not by silencing politically engaged citizens.
“Blaming active supporters for political failure is a distraction from the real work of governance,” the movement concluded.