Lagos: Obidient Movement Blasts Yunusa Tanko Over Leadership Controversy
The Lagos State chapter of the Obidient Movement, a political and civic group loyal to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, has descended into internal strife following accusations that the movement’s national coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, backed a controversial and allegedly manipulated leadership list for the state.
In a strongly worded joint statement released over the weekend by Obiasogu David and Hon. Bamidele Akpata, representing key Lagos support groups and members of the Central Organising Committee, the grassroots leaders rejected the list of names purported to form the movement’s State Coordinating Council. They described the list as fraudulent, undemocratic, and inconsistent with the founding ideals of the movement.
According to the statement, the list was “drawn up secretly by a handful of position-seeking political actors close to Dr. Tanko” without consulting active members or stakeholders across the state.
“The purported list hit us with rude marvel,” the statement read. “Not because we were unaware of efforts to restructure the movement, but because the final decision was made abruptly, without transparency, and in total disregard for those who built this movement from the ground up.”
The signatories accused the individuals behind the list of attempting to hijack the Obidient Movement for “personal and political gain,” arguing that the Lagos chapter should not be reduced to a political tool for opportunists.
“We reject the list in its entirety,” they declared. “The Obidient Movement in Lagos was built through sacrifice and shared vision — not through manipulation or backroom deals.”
They urged the national leadership, including Dr. Tanko, to immediately withdraw the list and convene a broad stakeholder meeting to design a transparent and inclusive leadership process.
“We Built This Movement on Integrity and Populism”
Obiasogu and Akpata reminded members that the movement was founded in March 2022, rooted in the values of integrity, truth, democracy, and populism espoused by Peter Obi. They insisted that leadership selection must reflect these principles through wide consultation, consensus-building, and participation of active supporters.
“The Lagos Obidient family must not derail from its founding principles,” they said. “Leaders must emerge through credibility, service, and the will of active members — not through imposed political arrangements.”
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They also warned against external interference, stressing that the movement “is not a political structure for any individual or party to hire or hijack.”
Calls for Dialogue and Unity
The statement called on the national leadership of the Obidient Movement to urgently mediate the dispute, saying continued silence could deepen divisions within one of the most active state chapters.
“The national leadership must immediately call a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the way forward. Lagos cannot afford to lose focus — the movement must remain people-driven, transparent, and united in purpose.”
Online Reactions and Broader Discontent
The leadership crisis quickly spilled onto social media, sparking intense debate among Obidient supporters nationwide.
Prominent online activist Obiasogu David (@afrisagacity) expressed disappointment that internal wrangling had escalated into public controversy. He urged Peter Obi and Dr. Tanko to intervene swiftly before the situation worsens.
“Seeing this in the Tribune is sad,” he wrote on X. “I hope Obi, Dr. Tanko, and other leaders can quickly intervene to resolve the issues.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by users in Ogun and Oyo states, who reported that similar disputes were emerging in their local chapters.
Other commentators, however, suggested that the crisis reflects deeper ideological and ethnic tensions within the movement, particularly following criticisms that the leadership was being dominated by political figures and not the grassroots volunteers who sustained the campaign during the 2023 elections.
Some users accused the national leadership of being “out of touch” with the base, while others blamed opposition infiltration and internal politicking for the chaos.
Background: The Obidient Movement at a Crossroads
The Obidient Movement emerged from the #EndSARS protests and evolved into one of Nigeria’s most influential grassroots political networks during the 2023 general elections, mobilizing millions of young voters in support of Peter Obi.
However, as the group transitions from activism to structured organization, internal disagreements over leadership, structure, and direction have become more visible — particularly in Lagos, where the movement faces challenges maintaining unity amid growing political polarization.
Observers warn that unresolved disputes like this could weaken the movement’s credibility ahead of future elections and its broader mission to reshape Nigerian politics through civic participation and youth-led reform.