Obidient Movement Blasts Ali Modu Sheriff Over Comments on Peter Obi

The Obidient Movement, the political support group behind Peter Obi, has strongly condemned recent remarks credited to former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, describing them as an unwarranted attempt to disparage the former Anambra State governor and diminish his growing political influence.

The movement, in a statement issued on Tuesday, dismissed Sheriff’s comments as “the ranting of a desperate political actor” who, it claimed, has lost relevance and is now seeking attention by attacking a more credible and popular figure.

The reaction followed comments reportedly made by Sheriff in which he questioned Peter Obi’s political capacity, electoral viability, and chances of winning the 2027 presidential election. Sheriff had reportedly dismissed Obi as a “regional candidate” lacking the national spread required to clinch the presidency.

But the Obidient Movement described the comments as “laughable, baseless and driven by political mischief,” insisting that Peter Obi remains one of the most nationally accepted and detribalised politicians in the country today.

According to the group, Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, where he defeated established political heavyweights in several states across different regions, including Lagos, Abuja, and parts of the North, is clear evidence of his broad national appeal.

“Ali Modu Sheriff’s comments are not only misleading but also a reflection of the frustration of the old political order that Peter Obi represents a threat to,” the statement read. “Nigerians have moved beyond the era of ethnic and regional labelling. Peter Obi is a national figure whose message of competence, credibility, and compassion resonates across all parts of the country.”

The movement argued that the kind of politics being promoted by figures like Sheriff — anchored on money, ethnicity, and godfatherism — is exactly what Nigerians rejected in 2023 and would reject even more decisively in 2027.

The group also took a swipe at Sheriff’s political history, describing him as a symbol of the failed old political establishment that has contributed to Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges.

They noted that rather than attacking Peter Obi, Nigerian leaders should be focusing on solutions to the country’s pressing problems, including insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.

The Obidient Movement further stated that the growing wave of attacks on Peter Obi from various political figures is an indication that his 2027 presidential ambition is gaining momentum and unsettling the establishment.

“The more they attack him, the more Nigerians rally around him,” the group said. “These attacks only confirm that Peter Obi is the candidate to beat in 2027. Those who feel threatened by his rising popularity will continue to throw jabs, but the people are firmly behind him.”

The movement urged its supporters, popularly known as “Obidients,” to remain focused, peaceful, and undeterred by what it described as “orchestrated distractions” from opponents.

It called on Nigerians to continue to engage in civic activities, including voter registration and grassroots mobilisation, stressing that the 2027 election presents another opportunity to reshape the country’s political direction.

The group also reiterated its commitment to a movement anchored on issues, good governance, and accountability, rather than personality attacks and mudslinging.

Peter Obi, who emerged as a major political force during the 2023 election under the Labour Party, has continued to command significant grassroots support, particularly among young people, professionals, and urban voters.

His recent activities, including his advocacy for the abducted Oyo schoolchildren, criticism of the government’s fiscal management, and consistent engagement with national issues, have kept him at the centre of the country’s political conversation ahead of 2027.

As of the time of this report, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff had not responded to the Obidient Movement’s statement.