The Obidient Movement, a nationwide citizens’ coalition known for its advocacy of good governance, accountability, and civic responsibility, has firmly dismissed claims circulating across social and mainstream media that it has endorsed Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State for a second term in office.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the Movement described the reports as “fraudulent, unauthorized, and grossly misleading.” The organization emphasized that its position on the forthcoming Anambra gubernatorial election remains unchanged — its support is squarely behind Mr. George Moghalu, the candidate earlier endorsed by His Excellency Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
Dr. Tanko, in the official statement made available to journalists in Awka, reiterated that “at no time did the Obidient Movement convene any meeting, issue any statement, or authorize any individual or group to declare support for Governor Soludo or any other candidate.”
He added:
“The Obidient Movement categorically states that it has not endorsed, authorized, or supported any candidate other than Mr. George Moghalu. Any person or group suggesting otherwise is not speaking for the Movement and should be ignored by the general public.”
According to the group, the purported endorsement appears to be the handiwork of “political impostors” and “opportunistic elements” attempting to exploit the popularity and credibility of the Obidient Movement for selfish political ends.
The Movement further clarified that only official communications released through its verified channels — signed by the National Coordinator or other authorized national officers — should be regarded as authentic positions of the organization.
Reasserting its non-partisan nature, the Obidient Movement explained that it is not a registered political party, nor does it operate under the control of any political structure. Rather, it functions as a citizens’ movement dedicated to promoting good governance, transparency, and ethical political engagement across Nigeria.
Dr. Tanko noted that while the Movement passionately supported Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, that support was rooted in principles, not partisanship.
“Our support for His Excellency Peter Obi was based on his record of integrity, prudence, and competence. We remain guided by these same values — not by political convenience or inducement,” the statement said.
He stressed that no individual member or faction of the Movement possesses the authority to make political endorsements on behalf of the group. Any claims to the contrary, he said, represent personal opinions and should not be mistaken for the Movement’s collective stance.
The Obidient Movement used the opportunity to condemn in strong terms the unauthorized use of its name, logo, and brand identity in connection with political endorsements. The organization described such actions as “an assault on its credibility and a desperate attempt to mislead the public.”
“The Obidient Movement does not engage in transactional politics. We do not trade our principles for political favors, appointments, or financial gains,” Dr. Tanko declared.
He warned political actors and media handlers against dragging the Movement’s name into partisan schemes, emphasizing that any unauthorized use of its insignia or identity would attract legal consequences.
“We wish to remind the public that the Obidient Movement is a citizens-driven initiative bound by the values of transparency, justice, and service. Any attempt to exploit our goodwill for political manipulation will be met with appropriate legal and civic responses,” the statement added.
The group also urged journalists and media houses to verify claims and seek clarification from its official spokespersons before publishing stories related to the Movement.
Dr. Tanko reaffirmed that the Movement remains focused on promoting competent, ethical, and people-centered leadership at all levels of government.
He said the group’s ongoing advocacy efforts aim to deepen civic participation, hold public officials accountable, and support leaders who embody the principles of competence, character, and compassion — values often associated with the vision of Peter Obi.
“We are building a Nigeria where leadership is not bought, but earned; where power flows from integrity, not influence. This is why our support for George Moghalu remains unwavering — it aligns with our belief in credible, values-driven governance,” Dr. Tanko stated.
The National Coordinator further disclosed that the Movement would soon unveil a nationwide programme focused on youth political education, electoral monitoring, and policy engagement, designed to ensure that citizens’ voices remain central in shaping governance outcomes.
Addressing speculations about the Movement’s broader political future — especially regarding the 2027 general elections — the statement emphasized that no formal discussions have taken place about future endorsements or alliances.
“All future political decisions, including discussions on the 2027 elections, will be made collectively through our established consultative structures and communicated through official channels only. Any premature claims about our next political direction are false, baseless, and misleading,” the statement said.
The group reiterated that its priority for now is to promote credible leadership in Anambra State and to ensure that the democratic process remains transparent, issue-based, and people-oriented.
In the concluding part of the statement, the Obidient Movement called on the Nigerian media, civil society organizations, and the general public to exercise caution in handling politically sensitive information, particularly as the Anambra governorship race intensifies.
Dr. Tanko urged journalists to verify sources before publishing stories related to endorsements, warning that misinformation can distort public perception and undermine democratic credibility.
“We appeal to the media and the public to disregard any false claims linking us to an endorsement of Governor Soludo or any other candidate outside our declared support for Mr. George Moghalu. The Obidient Movement is not an instrument of political propaganda but a platform for truth, justice, and accountability,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Movement’s commitment to non-violence, civic engagement, and policy-based politics, noting that its ultimate goal remains the rebuilding of Nigeria into a nation anchored on fairness, equity, and shared prosperity.
“We will continue to engage constructively with all segments of society — irrespective of political or religious affiliation — in pursuit of a better Nigeria,” Dr. Tanko concluded.
The rebuttal from the Obidient Movement comes amid growing political realignments in Anambra State ahead of the 2025 gubernatorial election, with several interest groups and political actors seeking to leverage the Movement’s popularity for electoral advantage.
By distancing itself from what it described as a false endorsement plot, the Movement has reaffirmed its status as a citizens’ movement of conscience rather than a political machinery. Its message was clear: the Obidient Movement remains loyal to its ideals of integrity, accountability, and people-first governance — not to political expediency or opportunism.
The statement, signed by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, concluded with a firm reminder:
“Our allegiance is to the people of Nigeria, not to political power. We stand for truth, justice, and service — and nothing will make us compromise those values.”
