The Sokoto State chapter of the Obidient Movement has strongly slammed recent comments by Labour Party stalwart Kenneth Okonkwo, who claimed that only a northern candidate could defeat Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the Labour Party Secretariat in Sokoto, the group’s spokesperson, Abubakar Yawale, denounced Okonkwo’s remarks as “anti-democratic, divisive, and strategically flawed.”
Yawale argued that such a suggestion undermines the credibility and nationwide appeal of the Obidient Movement under the leadership of former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
“The notion that a southeastern candidate cannot win is a dangerous myth,” Yawale said. “Mr. Peter Obi’s appeal cuts across all regions, and his growing acceptance in the North is undeniable.”
The group bolstered their argument by citing Obi’s recent recognition by the District Head of Pantami in Gombe State, who conferred on him the title Sarkin Maskan Pantami (Chief of Shelter and Peace). They described the honor as evidence of Obi’s growing grassroots acceptance in northern Nigeria, driven by his humanitarian track record and principled leadership.
Yawale noted that the Obidient Movement in Sokoto has established a robust grassroots presence across all 23 local government areas, engaging farmers, traders, youths, and artisans alike.
“This is not a social media movement. It’s a village-to-village, ward-to-ward effort,” he stressed.
On electoral performance, the group pointed to the 2023 presidential election, where Obi garnered 6.1 million votes, defeated Tinubu in Lagos, and secured 25.4% of the national vote. Combined with Atiku Abubakar’s 29.07%, the opposition bloc amassed over 13 million votes — significantly more than Tinubu’s 8.79 million.
They argued that widespread discontent in the North, fueled by economic hardship and insecurity, has made the region more receptive to Obi’s message of economic justice and reform. The group also commended the emerging opposition alliance of Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi under the ADC-led platform, calling Obi a “unifying figure with the broadest cross-regional appeal.”
Rejecting Okonkwo’s claim that running a southern candidate would gift Tinubu re-election, Yawale said:
“Peter Obi’s win in Lagos and his broad appeal refute that. The 2027 presidency, both morally and constitutionally, belongs to the South. Suggesting otherwise only divides the opposition and strengthens the incumbent.”
Yawale also dismissed rising concerns in some circles that Obi’s victory could be rigged again in 2027.
“We reject defeatism. Democracy demands we fight for electoral integrity—not accept theft as inevitable.”
The Sokoto Obidients delivered a resolute message to Peter Obi: stay the course in the presidential race.
“You are our candidate—north, south, east, and west,” Yawale declared. “We reject any move to relegate you to a vice-presidential role.”
The movement also urged Northern leaders and civil society groups to spearhead a ‘North for Obi’ campaign, rallying regional support around the shared ideals of justice, security, and economic fairness.
In his closing remarks, Yawale reaffirmed the group’s commitment to a merit-driven Nigeria:
“Peter Obi embodies that future. We call on Mr. Okonkwo to withdraw his divisive comments and choose unity over fear. The road to victory in 2027 lies not in tribal calculations but in a true national transformation.” #Sokoto #Obidients
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