Dare Babalola
The Obidient Movement Worldwide has called for unity, discipline, and internal cohesion among aspirants and members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as the party holds its primaries on Friday, May 29, 2026.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the group urged party stakeholders to remain focused on the broader objective of securing the 2027 presidential bid of former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
The statement stressed that the coalition’s participation in the NDC was strategic and driven by a shared mission.
“As we proceed into the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries scheduled for today, May 29, 2026, we, members of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, wish to make a sincere but strong appeal to all NDC party aspirants and members for unity, discipline, maturity, sacrifice, and focus.”
It added that internal ambition must not be allowed to undermine the collective goal of the movement.
“We must remember that our convergence under the NDC is deliberate and strategic. Our collective objective is to ensure that the candidature of His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi is on the ballot for the 2027 general elections. We must not allow individual ambition to make us fail in achieving our collective resolve.”
The group said its political mission remains centred on what it described as “people-oriented leadership” and urged members to remain committed despite expected electoral outcomes.
“Our mission is to rescue Nigeria through people-oriented leadership built on character, competence, capacity, commitment, and compassion.”
Acknowledging the competitive nature of the primaries, the statement noted that not all aspirants would emerge victorious and urged sportsmanship among participants.
“We therefore anticipate that there could be setbacks and pushbacks arising from competing political interests. We must be guided accordingly and demonstrate sportsmanship at all times.”
It further cautioned against post-primary disputes and legal actions, urging aggrieved members to make use of internal party conflict resolution mechanisms.
“We want to encourage everyone contesting that any concerns, grievances, or observations arising from today’s exercise should be addressed through the party’s internal mechanisms. We must avoid resorting to court litigation, as this is inimical to the progress of our collective resolve.”
The statement warned that internal divisions could be exploited by political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Our political opponents are paying close attention in order to take advantage of any internal party crises we may experience.”
It added that attention should quickly shift to reconciliation and broader electoral strategy after the primaries.
“Shortly after the primaries, our attention must be directed toward closing ranks and working together to achieve our collective mission of securing victory in the 2027 presidential elections and building a new Nigeria where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”
