From Billy Graham Abel, Yola

The Obidient Movement has intensified its grassroots mobilisation across the North-East as part of renewed efforts to consolidate its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Adamawa State and North-East executives of the movement in Yola, the Global Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said the group has learnt vital lessons from the 2023 polls and is now expanding its presence to every ward and polling unit across the country.

“I am in Yola to inaugurate the Obidient structure across the 1,176 polling units in the country. This process will bridge the gaps we identified in 2023. We are pushing beyond 1,176 to produce over 2,000 polling agents who will ensure authentic results and prevent the manipulation of outcomes through so-called technical glitches,” Tanko said.

The former presidential candidate emphasised that the movement, once dismissed as an online agitation, has evolved into a formidable national structure with physical presence in Gombe, Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa States, among others.

“When we began the campaign for Peter Obi in 2023, they mocked us as a social media group of four people tweeting. But today, we have full grassroots structures and heavy presence across the North-East,” he noted.

Dr Tanko welcomed former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s recent remarks that Peter Obi won the 2023 elections, saying it merely affirmed what Nigerians already know.

He also hailed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for demonstrating political maturity by expressing readiness to support a younger candidate if that would strengthen the opposition coalition ahead of 2027.

“Atiku’s comment shows that he is indeed an elder statesman ready to guide, advise, and put the interest of Nigeria above personal ambition. That is the kind of leadership attitude we must all emulate,” Tanko stated.

He further called for comprehensive electoral reforms to guarantee credible elections in the country, insisting that Nigerians can no longer tolerate excuses of technical or transmission failures.

“We must strengthen our electoral system to protect the people’s mandate. In 2027, Nigerians deserve transparency and truth at the ballot,” he added.

Tanko, who described himself as a Hausa man supporting an Igbo man, said his loyalty to Peter Obi stemmed from conviction, not ambition.

“I once contested for the presidency, but this is not about me. It’s about rescuing Nigeria. Peter Obi represents competence, compassion, and the hope of a united nation that works for all,” he declared.

The Global Coordinator decried the poor state of infrastructure and education in Adamawa, lamenting that the government has failed to care for its citizens while imposing heavy taxes that deepen poverty.

“Our leaders have impoverished citizens through bad policies. Nigerians must take their destiny in their hands and demand a government that works for them,” he said.

The event also featured the inauguration of state and local government executives and the unveiling of aspirants who will fly the movement’s banner in the 2027 general elections.

In his address, the North-East Director of Mobilisation, Joseph Maigari, charged members to see their appointments as a call to service, not a political title.

“This is not a celebration but a responsibility. The Obidient Movement is not just a political platform; it is a people’s revolution for justice, equity, and development,” Maigari stated.

He urged members to begin immediate mobilisation under the initiative tagged Operation 10, aimed at reaching every ward, polling unit, and household in the region.

The ceremony drew large crowds of supporters and stakeholders from across the North-East, with speakers expressing optimism that the Obidient Movement’s growing national structure will redefine Nigeria’s political future in 2027.