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Obidients Strengthen Organisation Ahead Of 2027 Elections, Amid Afenifere Factional Dispute Over Farotimi

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Peter Obi

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In an effort to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Obidient Movement, a major political force backing Peter Obi, announced a sweeping series of appointments to regional advisory councils and directorates across Nigeria.

The appointments, announced on Wednesday by National Coordinator Tanko Yunusa, represent a significant expansion of the movement’s organisational structure.

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Yunusa stated that the restructuring, which was approved by Peter Obi, builds on previous regional engagements and aims to strengthen the movement’s foundation.

The appointments cover various key areas, including regional advisory councils for all six geopolitical zones, supporting advisory councils, a Directorate of the National Assembly advisory council, and directorates focused on finance, fundraising, resource mobilisation, accountability, mobilisation, communication and media, legal and constitutional affairs, diaspora engagement, research, policy and strategy, technology and data management/analysis, and political engagement.

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Notable appointees include Dele Farotimi, a prominent Nigerian lawyer and political activist who will lead the Southwest region; John Ameh, National Secretary of the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP), who will lead the Northcentral region; Dr. Njideka Ezeadili for the Southeast; Professor Nwakobia for the South-South; Professor Kalep Bulus Filli for the Northeast; and Hamisu Santuraki for the Northwest.

Yunusa’s statement portrayed the Obidient Movement as a transformative force in Nigerian politics, crediting its success to the mobilisation of enthusiastic young Nigerians and the effective use of various media platforms.

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He emphasised the movement’s grassroots origins and growth into a significant socio-ideological phenomenon that resonated with citizens dissatisfied with corruption, insecurity, and economic hardship.

Yunusa emphasised that the movement is based on five core principles: competence, character, capacity, credibility, and compassion, which he refers to as the “five ethical Cs for a New Nigeria.”

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He emphasised the movement’s inclusive nature, which crosses political, socio-cultural, ethnic, religious, and racial lines to unite Nigerians around a common vision.

On another development, the announcement of appointments has been overshadowed by controversy over Dele Farotimi’s appointment to a separate position within the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere.

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Farotimi’s appointment as National Secretary of the Afenifere faction led by Pa Onabanjo has sparked internal conflict within the organisation.

Abagun Kọle Ọmọlolu, the National Organising Secretary of the faction led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, issued a statement recognising Pa Fasoranti as the legitimate leader of Afenifere.

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Ọmọlolu emphasised that only one authentic Afenifere exists under Fasoranti’s leadership, which remains committed to Yoruba welfare and national progress.

He acknowledged Farotimi’s appointment in the other faction while emphasising the legitimacy of the Fasoranti-led group, urging the public to distinguish between the two.

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The Afenifere internal conflict complicates the political landscape, especially since it involves a key figure from the Obedient Movement.

The implications of this factional divide are unknown, but it has the potential to affect political alliances and strategies in the Yoruba region and beyond.

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The Obedient Movement, for its part, has not yet responded to the Afenifere dispute.

The next few months will be critical in determining the impact of these appointments, as well as ongoing Afenifere factionalism, on Nigeria’s evolving political dynamics.

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