By Lekan Yusuf
The notion of "Obidients" having a sense of entitlement regarding Peter Obi's candidacy in a coalition stems from the intense loyalty and fervor of his supporter base, particularly following his 2023 presidential campaign under the Labour Party. Obidients, a term derived from Obi's name, are predominantly young, social media-savvy Nigerians who view him as a transformative figure promising frugality, accountability, and a break from Nigeria’s entrenched political elite. This perception has fueled their strong insistence that Obi should lead any coalition formed to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Background on Obidients and Their Support for Peter Obi
Who Are the Obidients? Obidients are a grassroots movement, largely composed of Nigerian youths frustrated with the status quo of the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They rallied behind Obi during the 2023 election, drawn to his message of prudent governance and economic reform. Their support was visible through social media campaigns, street marches, and volunteer efforts, transforming the Labour Party into a significant third force.
Obi’s Appeal: Obi’s reputation as a frugal and effective governor of Anambra State, coupled with his outsider status relative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties, resonates with a demographic seeking systemic change. His campaign’s populist tone and focus on youth empowerment have cemented a cult-like following, which some critics argue borders on extremism.
The Coalition Context
Formation of the Coalition: Ahead of the 2027 elections, Obi has joined a coalition of opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and others, adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s APC. This move aims to unite opposition forces, which were fragmented in 2023, leading to Tinubu’s victory with 36.61% of the vote.
Obi’s Proposal: Obi has proposed a single four-year term if elected, emphasizing integrity and a commitment to power rotation, aligning with an unwritten zoning principle in Nigerian politics. This proposal has been submitted to the coalition for consideration, reflecting his willingness to compromise for a united front.
Obidients’ Sense of Entitlement
The perception of entitlement among Obidients arises from their unwavering demand that Obi be the coalition’s presidential candidate, viewing him as the most credible and popular figure to lead Nigeria. This stance is evident in several ways:
1. Rejection of a Secondary Role for Obi: Obidients have bristled at suggestions that Obi serve as a running mate, particularly to Atiku Abubakar, who initiated coalition talks. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with supporters insisting it’s “Peter Obi or nothing,” rejecting any scenario where he plays second fiddle. They argue that Obi’s 2023 performance (25% of the vote and victories in key areas like Lagos and Abuja) proves his electoral strength over Atiku’s 29%.Some supporters believe the coalition’s structure, particularly a potential “dollar-rain primary” favoring Atiku, is a ploy to exploit Obi’s voter base while sidelining him. They see this as a betrayal of their vision for a “new Nigeria.”
2. Criticism of Political Compromise: Obidients are described as prioritizing Obi’s leadership over traditional political deal-making. Critics, including political analysts and Labour Party factions, argue that this reflects a lack of political pragmatism. For instance, Deji Adeyanju, a social critic, noted, “Obidients don’t know much about politics. Politics is not about emotion and extremism, but about compromise.”This sentiment is echoed by an Atiku associate who claimed Obi’s indecisiveness stems from fear of provoking his supporters, suggesting Obidients’ influence restricts his ability to negotiate independently.
3. Perceived Delusion of Support Base: Some X posts, like one from @Waspapping_, label Obidients as “delusional” for believing they represent 70% of Nigeria’s population and thus deserve the coalition ticket over Atiku, whose northern base is seen as more electorally significant. This highlights a tension between Obidients’ confidence in Obi’s popularity and the political reality of coalition dynamics.Critics argue that Obidients’ refusal to consider alternatives risks fracturing the coalition, as their loyalty is tied solely to Obi. If he doesn’t secure the ticket, many vow not to support the coalition’s candidate, potentially undermining the opposition’s chances.
Labour Party’s Reaction and Internal ConflictUltimatum to Obi: The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party issued a 48-hour ultimatum on July 3, 2025, demanding Obi resign due to his coalition involvement, accusing him of pursuing a “dual agenda” and aligning with “recycled politicians.” They argue that the coalition undermines the Labour Party’s vision for a youth-driven “new Nigeria” and view Obi’s actions as disloyal.
Obi’s Defense: Obi has justified his coalition participation, emphasizing that no single party can change Nigeria alone. He frames the ADC coalition as a necessary bridge to address poverty and insecurity, prioritizing national interest over party loyalty.
Party Tensions: The Labour Party’s internal crisis, marked by disagreements over control and direction, exacerbates the situation. The Abure faction’s rejection of the coalition contrasts with Obi’s broader strategy, highlighting a rift that could weaken his position within the party.
Broader ImplicationsStrengths of Obidients’ Stance:
Their loyalty has made Obi a formidable political force, capable of mobilizing a significant voter base, particularly among youths. His 2023 performance, including defeating Tinubu in Lagos, underscores this potential.The insistence on Obi as the candidate reflects a desire to protect his brand of integrity and frugality, which resonates with a population disillusioned by decades of mismanagement.
Challenges and Criticisms:
The perceived entitlement risks alienating coalition partners, particularly Atiku’s camp, which sees the northern vote as critical. Analysts suggest Obi needs a strong northern running mate, like Nasir El-Rufai, to broaden his appeal, but Obidients’ rejection of such compromises could hinder this.The Labour Party’s ultimatum and accusations of opportunism against the coalition suggest that Obidients’ hardline stance may force Obi into a difficult choice between party loyalty and coalition unity, potentially splitting his support base.Critics argue that Obidients’ emotional investment overlooks Nigeria’s complex electoral dynamics, where ethnicity, religion, and regional alliances play significant roles. Obi’s lack of strong northern support in 2023 was a key limitation, and coalition negotiations aim to address this.
Conclusion
The sense of entitlement among Obidients reflects their belief in Peter Obi as the best candidate to lead Nigeria, rooted in his 2023 campaign’s success and their distrust of traditional political elites. However, this stance has sparked tensions within the Labour Party and the broader opposition coalition, with critics viewing it as politically naive and divisive. While Obidients’ loyalty strengthens Obi’s position, their rejection of compromise could jeopardize the coalition’s goal of uniting against the APC in 2027. Obi’s challenge lies in balancing his supporters’ expectations with the pragmatic need for coalition unity, a delicate task given the intense emotions driving the Obidient movement.
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