Supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have made a public appeal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from future presidential contests and throw his support behind their candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
The appeal came during massive rallies held across Abia State on Saturday to commemorate Obi’s 64th birthday. The coordinated demonstrations, branded as a “one million man-march for Obi,” took place simultaneously in four major locations including Umuahia, the state capital, as well as Aba, Ohafia, and Uzuakoli.
Speaking to journalists in Umuahia, Chibuzor Obiesili, who chairs the organizing committee and serves as one of the state coordinators for the Obidient Movement, acknowledged Atiku’s long-standing contributions to Nigerian politics while urging him to make what he termed “the ultimate sacrifice” for the country’s progress.
“We thank those behind the formation of the coalition. But we appeal that the coalition should consider Obi for its presidential ticket because he has the national appeal needed to uproot the ruling APC,” Obiesili stated during the peaceful demonstration.
The Obidient leader specifically called on the former Vice President to step back from his own political ambitions, suggesting that supporting Obi would represent Atiku’s greatest service to Nigeria. “Atiku has tried his best for Nigeria, but his greatest sacrifice and gift to Nigeria will be to support Obi to get the ADC presidential ticket in 2027 so that Nigeria can move forward,” he explained.
Obiesili emphasized his movement’s belief that Obi possesses the necessary qualities to address Nigeria’s current challenges effectively. “Nigeria needs an Obi for a quick fix, and in the interest of all. He has what is needed to pull Nigeria out of the woods,” he declared to the gathered crowd and media representatives.
The rallies demonstrated the continued mobilization of Obi’s supporters, commonly known as Obidients, who maintain active grassroots organization despite their candidate’s unsuccessful bid in the 2023 presidential election. The movement appears to be positioning itself for the next electoral cycle while seeking to build broader political alliances.
