Politics
Ahead 2027, Obidient Movement Engages Stakeholders In Borno
The Obidient Movement Nationwide, on Saturday, embarked on a strategic engagement with key stakeholders in Borno State, as part of its efforts to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The movement’s National Coordinator, Dr Yinusa Tanko, led a delegation to Maiduguri, the state capital, where he met with members of the Obidient Movement, visited flood affected markets and held discussions with youth groups.
According to Dr Tanko, the visit was aimed at reciprocating the love and support shown by the people of Borno State to the movement’s principal, Mr Peter Obi, during the 2023 presidential election. “I am here to show love to those who have shown love to us,” he stated.
Dr Tanko also commended Mr Obi’s achievements as a former governor, particularly in the areas of industry, youth employment, security and what he termed the “five Cs”: credibility, accountability and consistency.
He stressed the need for good governance and called on Nigerians to work together towards a more prosperous nation.
The delegation visited the automobile spare parts market in Maiduguri, where traders suffered losses due to a recent dam overflow.
Dr Tanko assured the traders of the movement’s support and commitment to their welfare.
The President General of the Automobile Association, Maiduguri Chapter, Emmanuel Ekene, expressed gratitude and appreciation for the Obidient Movement’s visit.
He praised the movement’s leader, Mr Peter Obi, for doing a good job and prayed that God would grant him the grace to achieve his goals for Nigeria, so that everyone can rejoice and benefit from his leadership.
Godwin Maxwell, an Obidient member in Maiduguri, expressed his surprise and joy over the visit by Mr Obi’s delegation. He said their shops had been affected by the recent flood in Maiduguri and had not received any help until now or a sympathy visit from any politician.
“We are grateful for the attention and support we are receiving from Peter Obi and we appreciate his efforts,” he said.
The Obidient Movement’s engagement with stakeholders in Borno State is part of its broader strategy to build a strong coalition of supporters across the country ahead of the 2027 polls.
With the establishment of new structures and the rallying of supporters, the movement is poised to make a strong showing in the state. This is seen as a progressive move by the Obidient Movement to expand its base in the Northeast region, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.