The Obidient Movement has reaffirmed the enduring popularity and political relevance of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, despite the party’s recent loss in the Anambra governorship election.
Speaking in response to public discourse surrounding the LP’s defeat, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, emphasized that the outcome of the election should not be interpreted as a referendum on Obi’s influence.
“Peter Obi was not on the ballot,” Tanko stated in an interview with ARISE News. “Yes, he supported George Moghalu and campaigned in three areas, but it was Moghalu’s contest. The people had to decide based on the candidate, not Obi’s presence”.
The Labour Party’s candidate, George Moghalu, failed to secure victory in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, prompting critics to question the strength of Obi’s political base in his home state. Some opposition figures, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), mocked the LP’s performance, citing a loss even in Obi’s polling unit.
Tanko and other Obidient leaders argue that Obi’s political capital remains robust, pointing to his overwhelming victory in Anambra during the 2023 presidential election, where he secured over 95% of the vote. They maintain that the LP’s loss in a localized election does not diminish Obi’s national appeal or the momentum of the Obidient Movement. “It is misleading to assess Obi’s popularity based on an election he did not contest,” Tanko reiterated.
Political analysts suggest that the 2025 Anambra election may serve as a litmus test for the Labour Party’s organizational strength, but not necessarily for Obi’s personal brand. With the Obedient Movement still commanding significant youth support and national attention, Obi’s influence in shaping Nigeria’s political future remains a force to watch.