The Obidient Movement in Imo State has come out to clarify the nature of Nasir El-Rufai's recent visit to the state, dispelling rumors that linked Peter Obi, their leader, to the visit. According to the movement's coordinator in Imo State, Anukanti Vigilius Chukwuka, Peter Obi was not part of the gathering.
Background of El-Rufai's Visit
El-Rufai attended the Odenigbo Lecture, a cultural intellectual event organized annually by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri. The event brought together prominent figures, including politicians and intellectuals, to discuss issues relevant to the development of the region.
Obidient Movement's Stance
The Obidient Movement emphasized that Obi's presence at a dinner in honor of El-Rufai was a gesture of goodwill and respect, rather than an indication of any formal partnership or collaboration between the two leaders. They stressed that Obi's focus remains on his mission to create a new Nigeria, and he is open to working with like-minded individuals to achieve this goal ¹.
Implications and Speculations
The meeting between Obi and El-Rufai has sparked speculation about potential alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some have interpreted their interactions as a sign of growing cooperation between their camps. However, the Obidient Movement has maintained that Obi's participation in any coalition would be guided by the goal of promoting national development and good governance ².
Coalition Talks and Future Plans
There have been ongoing discussions about a possible coalition between Obi's Labour Party and other opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The ADC has clarified that Obi and El-Rufai are free to remain in their original parties while supporting the coalition, which aims to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 elections ³.
