Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Abia State chapter of the Obidients Movement has vowed to deliver the state to Mr Peter Obi in the 2027 general election, expressing confidence that he will emerge as the presidential flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group made the vow on Monday when its collegiate members met with the Abia State leadership of the ADC in Umuahia.
Leader of the delegation and spokesperson of the movement, Dr Chibuzor Obiesili, said the visit was to familiarise the group with the leadership of the ADC following the formal defection of their principal, Mr Peter Obi, to the party.
He expressed excitement over Obi’s decision to join the ADC, describing the party as a formidable political platform to actualise his presidential ambition in 2027.
Dr Obiesili, who described Abia as a strong support base for Obi, said the movement was poised to replicate its 2023 performance when Obi swept the state.
He therefore urged other presidential hopefuls within the party to step down for Obi, arguing that his integrity, national appeal and track record would count in favour of the party at the polls.
The Obidients Movement, which boasted of a large followership in Abia State, said its membership cuts across different political parties.
“The Obidients Movement is a congregation of people who believe in good governance. Its membership transcends tribe, religion and political parties,” he said.
According to the delegation, the driving force behind the movement is the pursuit of good governance and the need to rescue Nigeria from what it described as “political merchants.”
In his response, the Abia State Chairman of the ADC, Mr Don Norman Obinna, said the party was open and willing “to receive and work with everybody.”
Describing politics as a game of numbers, Obinna said the ADC would not discriminate against any individual or group willing to join the party sincerely.
He, however, stressed that all new members must recognise party supremacy, respect the party’s constitution, and avoid divided loyalty.
The ADC chairman, who said the party was not for sale, promised equal opportunity for all aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.
“I will never collect money from anyone to sell ADC. All I need is the success of the party,” Obinna said.
The party’s Secretary, Mazi Dr Agodi Kanu, and the Publicity Secretary, Ms Chiamaka Ohaja, were among ADC officials who received the Obidients delegation.
Other collegiate members of the delegation included the Secretary, Elder Bethel Nwokoma; Barrister Mark Ogbonnaya; and Mr Chukwuebuka Ezennaka.
