The OBIdient Movement has unveiled a plan to improve on its 2023 general election outing as it strategises to unseat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in Oyo in 2027.

As part of its plans, members of the movement at a Conference, themed “Going Forward: 2027,” at the Empowerment Centre Ring Road, Ibadan, over the weekend, x-rayed the performance of the Movement in the 2023 General elections and the areas to improve on.

The conference attracted party loyalists, political analysts, and grassroots organisers from across the state.

In his lecture, Prof Francis Egbokhare, a renowned linguist and political analyst from the University of Ibadan, provided a critical assessment of Nigeria’s current situation.

He pointed out the widespread talent among Nigerians but lamented that the nation is not living up to its potential.

Egbokhare described Nigeria as “a giant lying prostrate, trampled by dwarfs,” emphasising the gap between the country’s capabilities and its reality.

The University don submitted that the state of governance in the Country lacks direction as it is marked by ineffective spending and reliance on propaganda rather than the rule of law.

He also warned against superficial political strategies, stating, “Confusing ways and means with strategy is a terrible error. Do not play a game you have neither mastered nor can control; change the game or change the rules.”

The university don called for restructuring of the national mindset in order to achieve meaningful political victories.

“The first order of business is to restructure the mindset, because to win elections without it is to perpetuate the same failures.”

Egbokhare called for integrity in governance and the encouragement of dissent, urging the movement to harness Nigeria’s talents to build a framework for productivity and growth.

He highlighted pressing national issues, including insecurity and corruption, and concluded, “Good intentions are not enough. 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.”

In his address, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Tanko Yunusa, reinforced the movement’s significance in Nigeria’s political landscape.

He addressed rumours regarding Peter Obi’s potential defection from the Labour Party, clarifying that Obi remains a committed member.

“For the point of clearance, Mr. Peter Obi is a member of the Labour Party. You know there are still issues in the Labour Party and INEC is yet to respond to them,” he explained.

He affirmed that Obi intends to run for the 2027 general elections and is focused on a single term if elected.

“If elected, he will provide Nigeria with a single term of purposeful leadership. The majority of our problems can be resolved in one year if we focus on essential human development, as he demonstrated during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State.”

He emphasised the importance of setting a positive tone for governance, saying, “One term to set the tone, restore hope, and pass the baton to a leadership class that understands service.”

Yunusa highlighted that the movement’s mission extended beyond electoral success, encompassing justice, fairness, and access to basic needs in governance.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that government is truly for the people,” he urged, encouraging members to see themselves as ambassadors of a vision rather than mere supporters of a candidate.

In his remark, the Oyo State Coordinator and convener, Mr. Ayo Akinyemi, described the gathering as a pivotal moment for Obidient members in the state to unify their vision and strategies for national change.

He expressed a strong desire for transformation in Nigeria, stating, “We genuinely seek change in Nigeria and recognised that the country’s political and socio-economic challenges require collective determination.”

Akinyemi positioned Peter Obi as the credible leader capable of driving the change, urging members to remain united and committed to the movement’s cause. (Sunday Tribune)