Coalition: OBIdient Movement writes Obi, alleges marginalisation in ADC

Members of the OBIdient Movement, the youth wing of supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, are unhappy over what they consider to be a move to crowd them out of many coalition activities organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a letter addressed to Obi and sighted by Nigerian Tribune on Monday, OBIdient Movement alleged marginalisation in ADC, accusing organisers of deliberately keeping information from Obi’s supporters.

In the letter, signed by the Coordinator of the movement, Dr Tanko Yusuf, and dated July 29, the group claimed to have been excluded from key meetings so far.

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“We write on behalf of the OBIdient Movement to express our severe grievances regarding recent developments within the coalition’s systems.

“Our people are deliberately excluded at all levels.

“While we remain committed to the shared vision of building a united and formidable front for the task ahead, we must raise the following issues that our members have repeatedly flagged,” the letter partly read.

For instance, Yusuf alleged that members of the movement had hardly shared a table with members of the ADC at any deliberations, which suggested that their views were not being represented.

He stated, “Several of our designated representatives and members are reportedly being excluded from crucial meetings where major decisions affecting the coalition are made.

“This creates an impression of marginalisation and undermines trust, which is essential for building a sustainable partnership.”

The movement also raised the issue of “non-existent representation”, which it said gave a structure in the ADC not favourable to its members.

Consequently, the Obidients recommended the inclusion of “at least one Working Committee member” and “one Non-Working Committee member” representing the OBIdient Movement in each of the six geopolitical zones in the country.

The group believes the adjustment will build trust and guarantee the success of the coalition platform.

Obi currently straddles between the Labour Party and the ADC, as it’s unclear which political party he intends to contest the 2027 presidential poll.

Although Obi was at the launch of the coalition platform on July 2, he has remained a member of the LP.

According to him, his primary interest in participating in the coalition talks is to build a new Nigeria, which he said did not displace his membership of the LP.