Still Obidient: Oseloka Obaze Reaffirms Support for Peter Obi Amid Labour Party Departure

 

Oseloka Obaze, former Secretary to the Anambra State Government, has publicly reiterated his unwavering support for Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, despite formally cutting ties with the party.

In a reflective series of posts on his verified X account, Obaze sought to clarify his current political stance, reassuring supporters and concerned citizens that his exit from the Labour Party does not equate to a withdrawal from the ideals or vision championed by Obi. His statement follows a flurry of reactions and inquiries from associates, friends, and political observers who have been trying to discern the implications of his recent resignation.

His messages struck a tone of both loyalty and clarity. “Presently, I am not a card-carrying member of any political party; I remain 100% Obidient; I continue to support Peter Obi fully in his pursuit for a New Nigeria that is Possible,” he wrote. With these words, Obaze reaffirmed his steadfast alignment with Obi’s reformist vision, widely encapsulated in the “Obidient” movement—a grassroots-driven support network advocating for accountable governance and systemic reform.

Obaze officially stepped down from the Labour Party on April 6, citing mounting internal party crises as a major reason behind his decision. While the details of the rift were not extensively outlined in his resignation letter, he confirmed that organizational instability and internal discord within the party played a key role in prompting his departure.

Reactions to his resignation have been intense, with many expressing confusion and concern over the potential impact on Obi’s growing political movement. Obaze, however, was quick to allay fears, noting that political party affiliation is not the only means through which one can contribute to nation-building or support a political cause.

“My commitment to democracy and true nation-building in Nigeria remains unfettered,” he emphasized. This statement underlines a broader philosophy that transcends party lines, suggesting that effective political engagement and reform are possible outside the traditional party system.

Throughout his political career, Obaze has consistently positioned himself as a reform-minded figure. His decision to publicly reaffirm support for Obi, while deliberately distancing himself from the Labour Party, may signal a deeper strategic shift in how certain political stakeholders intend to participate in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

He also took a pointed swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of failing to deliver meaningful progress for Nigerians. “I am of the opinion that the ruling APC government has failed Nigeria and Nigerians,” he stated bluntly—further underscoring his disillusionment with the current political establishment.

This forthright critique comes at a time when Nigeria’s political discourse remains deeply polarized, with the Obi-led opposition movement continuing to attract support from citizens disenchanted with the status quo.

Although Obaze’s decision to step away from the Labour Party may appear, on the surface, as a retreat from the formal political scene, his statements indicate the opposite. By choosing to focus on ideological alignment over institutional membership, he appears committed to contributing to Nigeria’s democratic renewal from a position of principled independence.

His remarks have already begun to shape public narratives around political engagement in Nigeria. In a climate where political loyalty is often equated with party allegiance, Obaze’s move suggests a new model of civic participation—one that prioritizes ideas and leadership over party labels.

As the 2027 elections begin to loom on the horizon and political alliances shift, the declarations and actions of figures like Obaze may prove influential in reshaping how political identity and activism are understood in the country.

While no longer bound by a party structure, his enduring belief in Peter Obi’s candidacy and reformist agenda continues to position him as a notable figure within the broader “Obidient” movement—one whose voice may carry significant weight in Nigeria’s political future.