Dare Babalola
The National Coordinator of Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, has reacted to recent criticisms labeling the movement as “divisive”, saying it misrepresents the group’s origins and purpose.
In a statement he posted via X on Monday, Tanko explained that the Obidient movement emerged as a response to years of poor governance, poverty, and institutional decay in Nigeria, rather than extremism or intolerance.
He noted that the movement is made up of Nigerians from various backgrounds, including professionals, traders, students, civil servants, and individuals from different regions and religions, united by demands for transparency, competence, and accountable leadership.
“The attempt to label the Obidient movement as ‘divisive’ fundamentally misrepresents both its origins and its purpose,”Tanko said.
He continued, “Obidients did not emerge out of extremism or intolerance. The movement arose from years of poor governance, worsening poverty, institutional decay, and a political system that consistently shut out ordinary Nigerians. Millions, particularly young people, became politically engaged not to divide the country, but because they were tired of recycled leadership and empty promises.”
Tanko emphasised that coalitions are meant to aggregate ideas, encourage debate, and build broader alternatives, and that joining a coalition does not require silence or blind loyalty.
He added that passion in politics is not a crime, and that reform-driven movements are vocal because they are motivated by conviction rather than patronage.
According to him, Nigeria has a history of far more aggressive and exclusionary political followings, many of which were normalised or even celebrated, and singling out Obidients today reveals discomfort with accountability rather than a sincere concern for unity.
The statement also dismissed claims that Obidients will “ruin” electoral chances, saying elections are determined by organisation, alliances, credibility, and leadership, not by supporters speaking loudly online.
“Elections are not won or lost because supporters speak loudly online. They are determined by organisation, alliances, credibility, and leadership. Blaming engaged citizens for political failure is an easy distraction from the harder work of governance,” Tanko added.
Tanko reiterated that disagreeing with political opponents does not amount to hatred, and rejecting the status quo should not be framed as division.
He described the Obidient movement as a diverse group of Nigerians seeking change, rather than a single, rigid bloc.
