“Joining a coalition does not require silence or blind loyalty. On the contrary, it demands active engagement, accountability, and scrutiny”
Abuja-The attempt to label the Obidient movement as “divisive” fundamentally misrepresents both its origins and its purpose. Obidients did not emerge out of extremism or intolerance. The movement arose from years of poor governance, worsening poverty, institutional decay, and a political system that consistently shut out ordinary Nigerians.
Millions, particularly young people, became politically engaged not to divide the country, but because they were tired of recycled leadership and empty promises. The participation of Obidients in the ADC coalition follows this same logic. Coalitions are meant to aggregate ideas, encourage debate, and build broader alternatives. Joining a coalition does not require silence or blind loyalty. On the contrary, it demands active engagement, accountability, and scrutiny.
A coalition that fears questioning voices is not one prepared to govern a complex society like Nigeria. Passion in politics is not a crime. In every functioning democracy, reform-driven movements are vocal because they are motivated by conviction rather than patronage.
Nigeria itself has a history of far more aggressive and exclusionary political followings, many of which were normalised or even celebrated. Singling out Obidients today reveals discomfort with accountability rather than a sincere concern for unity.
It is also misleading to portray the Obidient movement as a single, rigid bloc. Obidients are professionals, traders, students, civil servants, and Nigerians across regions and religions, united by simple demands for transparency, competence, and accountable leadership. Disagreeing with political opponents does not amount to hatred, and rejecting the status quo should not be framed as division.
Claims that Obidients will “ruin” electoral chances ignore political reality. Elections are not won or lost because supporters speak loudly online. They are determined by organisation, alliances, credibility, and leadership. Blaming engaged citizens for political failure is an easy distraction from the harder work of governance.
Obidients are not the problem. Within the ADC coalition and beyond, the movement represents an opportunity to build a more accountable and participatory politics. Any coalition or party serious about governing Nigeria must learn to engage such citizens, not fear them.
-Dr Yunusa Tanko , National Coordinator Obidient Movement World wide, writes from Abuja.
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