Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Two major persons that served as the engine room in the Obidient Movement have backed out of the movement.
The duo while giving their reasons for their choice made, cited manipulation, toxicity, and leadership failure as reasons for their leaving.
In a joint statement, Dr David Ogula and Bolanle Emiabata-Anibaba declared that they had “decoupled” from what they described as the dysfunctional and manipulative configuration of the movement’s leadership structure.
To them, the decision came after “a long period of observation, sober reflection, and deep disappointment,” adding that what began as a genuine people’s movement for a new Nigeria had been hijacked by “self-serving elements” who traded integrity for control.
“What we found was not the dream we signed up for. The structure became a breeding ground for toxicity, arbitrary decisions, and petty power plays. It mirrored the same dysfunctions Nigeria is trying to escape,” the statement read.
They accused those running the movement of betraying the core values of accountability, inclusivity, and justice that once inspired millions of young Nigerians during the 2023 elections.
“Instead of building an inclusive people’s force, it became a playground for sycophants and opportunists,” they said.
They alleged that every facet of the organization, from top to bottom, was marred by “anyhowness”, secrecy, and a disregard for structure and due process.
They also decried that the Nigerian diaspora community, which had offered immense support, was reduced to a ‘cash cow’, while efforts to legally and transparently organise the movement abroad were “sabotaged by ignorance and ego.”
“We realised we were on a dirt road in a broken vehicle that had reached a dead end,” they claimed.
While distancing themselves from the current leadership, Ogula and Emiabata-Anibaba reaffirmed their commitment to the vision of a new Nigeria, pledging to continue working with honest and ethical Nigerians even if it means doing so outside the present structure.
“We remain hopeful that Nigeria’s dreams will be realized soon,” the duo said.