Crisis Rocks Obidient Movement As Key Members Withdraw Over “Toxic Structure” And Leadership Dysfunction

A major crisis has erupted within the Obidient Movement — the political support network that sprang up around Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi — as key figures have publicly withdrawn from its structure, citing manipulation, toxic behavior, and a betrayal of the ideals that initially inspired millions of Nigerians.

In a joint statement titled “Decoupling from the Structure of Obidient Movement,” Dr. David Ogula, Co-Director of Diaspora Engagement for the movement, announced his decision and that of others to distance themselves from the organization’s leadership. The statement paints a picture of deep disillusionment and frustration with what was described as a dysfunctional and self-destructive internal culture.

“Given a series of manipulative and self-destructive events, we have decided to decouple ourselves from the present configuration of the structure of the Obidient Movement and its directorate,” the statement read. “This has not been an easy decision; it follows a long period of observation, sober reflection, and ultimately, a deep sense of disappointment.”

According to Dr. Ogula, the decision came after months of internal tension marked by arbitrary leadership decisions, disregard for structure and accountability, and power struggles that undermined the movement’s founding principles of integrity, inclusivity, and justice.

“The atmosphere was characterized by a persistent toxic culture,” he noted. “Decisions were arbitrary, breaches of confidentiality were frequent, and rules were routinely circumvented. These behaviors contradicted the beliefs of a movement seeking to birth a new Nigeria; they were symptoms of the dysfunction the movement claimed to oppose.”

The statement accused some leaders of turning the movement into a “constellation of sycophants and servile followers,” where dissent was stifled and genuine reform-minded voices were marginalized. Dr. Ogula lamented that rather than modeling the change Nigerians were yearning for, the structure became a mirror of the political dysfunctions it set out to challenge.

“Every facet of the organization, from top to bottom, was marred by a casual and ad-hoc approach,” the statement continued. “Leaders were not answerable to the people but expected followers to serve them. Nigerians are seeking real leadership — not one that leaves them stranded at a bus stop with no clear destination.”

Particular frustration was also directed at how the diaspora arm of the movement was managed. According to Ogula, efforts to create a transparent, legally compliant framework for Nigerians abroad were “subverted by pedestrian antics,” and the diaspora’s autonomy was compromised by opaque decision-making.

“It became clear that we had been riding on a dirt road in a broken vehicle and had come to a dead end,” he said.

Despite the withdrawal, Ogula emphasized that his commitment to the vision of a new Nigeria remains unwavering.

“We are proud of our service and are uncoupling with a deeper understanding of the challenges we face,” he declared. “We will continue to advocate for a fair, inclusive, and just Nigeria, even if we must do so from outside the structures we helped create.”

The statement concludes with gratitude to supporters who had worked “in good faith,” expressing hope that Nigeria’s dream of a better future would still be realized.

The development marks one of the most significant public ruptures within the Obidient Movement since its rapid rise during the 2023 general elections, where it transformed from an online campaign group into a mass political force. Analysts fear that such internal disunity could weaken the movement’s influence ahead of future political contests.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Peter Obi nor the national leadership of the Labour Party had issued an official response to Dr. Ogula’s announcement.