Politics

Leadership Crisis Rocks Obidient Movement As Members Fight Dirty Over New Executives

BySodiq Lawal

PublishedSeptember 25, 2025

Fresh cracks have emerged within the Obidient Movement in Borno State following a violent clash that disrupted the inauguration of its new state executive officers in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

The Obidient Movement, a support group for the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had gathered to usher in a new leadership for its state chapter.

However, the event quickly degenerated into chaos after the former state secretary, Wisdom Osai, protested against the swearing-in of the new executives, alleging that due process was ignored in their selection.

Eyewitnesses reported that thugs stormed the venue in a bid to forcibly eject Osai, triggering a violent confrontation with his supporters.

Chairs were smashed, tempers flared, and the hall descended into confusion as participants scampered for safety.

Some aggrieved members rejected the newly nominated state coordinator, Ayuba Wakawa, describing him as an “imposed leader” who was not chosen through a consensus.

“Some people just sat in a room and drafted names of themselves without any consultation,” said Ike Joseph, one of the protesters.

Another member, Salih Adamu, faulted the process, insisting the imposed leadership lacked legitimacy.

On the other hand, loyalists of the new executives accused the dissenters of being sponsored to destabilise the movement.

“How will you have such anger and not know the right approach to use? We know he was sponsored by people who wanted the position,” said a supporter, Chibu Peter.

Security operatives later stepped in to restore order, enabling the inauguration to continue despite the disruption.
Reacting to the incident, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, dismissed the chaos as a failed attempt by infiltrators to hijack the group.

He maintained that the rowdy session was exaggerated and did not derail the event.

“It was a case of some people trying to infiltrate the rank of the Obidient. But the tension was quickly doused before it got out of hand. These are things that happen in politics, especially when elections are coming,” Tanko explained.

He commended the professionalism and swift action of the police, which he said ensured peace, order, and the safety of all participants.

“This intervention guaranteed that the programme continued seamlessly, reflecting the movement’s resilience, courage, and determination to stay focused on its vision and mandate despite distractions,” he added.

Sodiq Lawal

Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.