- The Obidient Movement criticised Dino Melaye’s remarks about Peter Obi’s presidential ambition
- The group said Melaye misread Nigeria’s political reality and growing demand for change
- It argued that Obi’s 2023 election support showed his ability to attract nationwide backing
The Obidient Movement has criticised recent comments made by former senator Dino Melaye concerning the presidential ambition of Peter Obi, describing the remarks as a misinterpretation of Nigeria’s political reality.
In a statement issued on Friday, the movement acknowledged Melaye’s earlier description of Obi as a “fantastic Nigerian” and a “great man,” but strongly rejected his claim that the former Anambra State governor lacks the capacity to unite the country.
According to the group, the assertion that Obi “lacks the ability to unify Nigeria” and that “this is not his time” fails to recognise the growing support among Nigerians for a new political direction.
The movement argued that such views reflect what it described as the thinking of an entrenched political establishment which, it said, has contributed to the divisions it now claims it can resolve.
It further stated that the notion that a candidate’s “time” should be determined by political elites rather than by the urgent needs of the nation represents the same mindset that has hindered Nigeria’s development for decades.
The group maintained that the real issue facing the country is not whether it is Obi’s time to lead, but whether Nigerians are ready to break away from what it described as cycles of ineffective leadership, economic stagnation and national disunity.
Highlighting Obi’s political appeal, the movement pointed to the outcome of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election as evidence of his ability to attract support across ethnic, regional and religious lines.
According to the statement, the coalition that rallied around Obi during the election demonstrated the emergence of a broad national movement focused on unity, reform and productive governance.
The statement, forwarded to journalists by the National Coordinator of the movement, Yunusa Tanko, said Melaye’s remarks overlooked the momentum that Obi’s political message has gained among citizens seeking change.
“We have taken note of the recent comments made by former Senator Dino Melaye regarding the presidential aspirations of Mr Peter Obi. While we appreciate his acknowledgement of Mr Obi as a ‘fantastic Nigerian’ and a ‘great man,’ his subsequent assertion that Mr Obi ‘lacks the ability to unify Nigeria’ and that ‘this is not his time’ is a profound misreading of the Nigerian political landscape and a disservice to the millions of Nigerians who have embraced Mr Obi’s vision for a new, united and productive nation,” the statement said.
It further argued that the idea that a candidate’s political moment must be determined by established political figures reflects a mindset that has long dominated Nigeria’s political space.
“The question is not whether it is Peter Obi’s time, but whether it is time for Nigeria to finally break free from the cycle of failed leadership, economic stagnation and disunity. For a vast and growing movement of Nigerians, the answer is an unequivocal yes,” the statement added.