Obidients criticise Tinubu’s policies as APC defends reforms
The Obidient Movement, on Monday, tackled President Bola Tinubu over his alleged ‘anti-people’ policies, saying they have brought hunger and hardship to the economy.
The group also vowed to work towards rescuing the country from the grasp of the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 election.
The National Chairman of the Obidient Movement Harmonisation Team, Joseph Maigari, disclosed this to PUNCH Online at a one-day leadership workshop for delegates and state chairmen of the Obidient Movement in Abuja.
He said, “We condemn in strong terms the anti-people policies of the Tinubu-led Federal Government, which have brought widespread hunger and suffering among Nigerians. The success of countries like Singapore was built on leaders who prioritised national interest over personal gain.
“Nigeria needs leaders who can do the same. A nation cannot progress without trust between the government and its people. We will also continue to work towards rescuing the country.
“We reaffirm our unwavering support for Peter Obi, whose leadership, vision and principles continue to inspire millions. His commitment to good governance, transparency, and national development fuels our movement. Equally, we stand in strong allegiance with Dr Tanko Yunusa.”
Continuing, Maigari dismissed the notion that the recent defection of some LP lawmakers may affect their chances in 2027.
He stated that they had learnt their lesson from the 2023 general elections.
He said, “The supposed movement of certain assembly members from the Labour Party does not affect the strength of the Obidient Movement. Rather, it is the exit of opportunists who were never part of the Obidient movement.
“The failure of the Obidient movement to properly organise structures and mobilise effectively during the 2023 elections hampered election monitoring efforts, affecting the outcome of the general elections.
“The lack of transparency and prevalence of institutional rigging in the electoral process have led to extreme voter apathy, resulting in low voter participation in elections.”
Reacting, the National Vice Chairman of the APC (South East), Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, knocked Obi and his supporters.
While stressing that Obi wouldn’t have done anything different from what Tinubu is doing with his reforms, Arodiogbu recalled that the former Anambra governor equally promised to tackle fuel subsidies and other policies during his campaign.
He said, “They are funny people. Of course, you can’t expect to hear anything different. Obi is a grudging man. There is no way he can fix Nigeria without implementing these policies. Yes, it’s true the Nigerian people are going through a phase. We know that there is suffering in the land.
“But many informed persons know that what is going on in Nigeria today is completely unavoidable. It is so surprising that some people like Obi and his supporers who should be honest enough to tell people the truth are busy canvassing negative and pedestrian views.
“Didn’t he also promise to implement some of these policies including fuel subsidy removal, in his campaign? So, because he failed and someone who is bold enough stepped up, he is abusing his administration.
“I wonder if the Obidients have learning disabilities that can’t make them learn the truth or if they are just liars who want to continue deceiving people. Even Obi himelf understands the situation and should be telling his people the truth, unless he enjoys lying to the people.”
The one-day workshop featured paper presentations by renowned experts, including Dr Moses Paul, who spoke on the ethos of the Obidient movement; Dr Sam Amadi, who discussed strategies for mobilisation; and Dr. Joepaul Akat-Osawo, who presented a paper on the roadmap of an ideal movement.
