Political Renewal and Strategic Vision for a New Nigeria
As the 2027 general elections approach, discussions around political renewal and strategic preparation have become central to the discourse. On Saturday, members of the Obidient Movement gathered for the Oyo State Obidient Conference, themed “Going Forward: A New Nigeria is Possible.” The event took place at the Empowerment Centre on Ring Road in Ibadan and drew party supporters, political thinkers, and grassroots organizers from across the state.
Prof. Francis Egbokhare, a Professor of linguistics at the University of Ibadan, delivered a thought-provoking speech that addressed the current state of Nigeria. He described the nation as “a giant lying prostrate, trampled by dwarfs, full of brilliant people but excelling in ignorance.” His assessment highlighted deep-seated issues such as poor governance, characterized by “motion without movement, spending without investment, and the rule of propaganda instead of the rule of law.”
Egbokhare warned against shallow political gamesmanship, emphasizing that confusing ways and means with strategy is a critical error. He urged participants to avoid playing a game they cannot control, suggesting that either the game or the rules must be changed. He also stressed the importance of restructuring the national mindset, arguing that political victory without this transformation would lead to repeating past failures.
He called for embedding integrity in governance, creating space for dissent, harnessing Nigeria’s talents, and building a framework for productivity and growth. Addressing challenges like insecurity, unemployment, corruption, ethnic agitations, and the nationalization of kidnapping as a business, he emphasized the need for empathy in decision-making and a unifying national vision.
“Good intentions are not enough,” he concluded. “We must plan well, execute with discipline, and love what we preach. Strategy is not optional; success must be summoned; it will not walk to us uninvited.”
Dr. Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, spoke about the relevance of the movement in Nigeria’s political landscape. He dismissed rumors of Peter Obi defecting from the Labour Party, stating that Obi remains a member of the party. Yunusa clarified that Obi has always intended to run for the 2027 general elections and that the Labour Party has exempted him and others until they formally join the coalition.
Yunusa also revealed Obi’s personal commitment to serve only one term if elected. “If elected, he will give Nigeria a single term of purposeful leadership,” he said. He highlighted that Obi was able to achieve significant results during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, where he focused on essential aspects of human development.
“We are about ensuring that government is truly about the people,” Yunusa declared, urging members to see themselves as ambassadors of a vision rather than mere supporters of a candidate.
Earlier, Comrade Ayo Akinyemi, the Oyo State Coordinator and convener, explained that the gathering was a rallying point for Obidient members in Oyo State to align their vision and strategies for national change. He expressed the desire for a real change in Nigeria, noting that the country’s political and socio-economic problems require collective determination to solve.
Akinyemi positioned Peter Obi as the credible leader capable of delivering this change, urging members to remain united and committed to the movement’s cause. The conference served as a platform for discussing the future of Nigeria and the role of the Obidient Movement in shaping it.