Obidient Movement Suspends Rally Fundraising After Nigerians Question Transparency and Event Priorities

 

The Obidient Movement, a political support group for former presidential candidate Peter Obi, has announced a suspension of its earlier plan to raise public funds for a nationwide birthday rally. The decision follows mounting criticism from Nigerians who raised concerns over the transparency, purpose, and timing of the fundraising initiative.

Just a day earlier, the group had revealed that it had set up four bank accounts to receive donations in support of activities for the July 19 rally, which was intended to celebrate Peter Obi’s birthday in a nationwide show of solidarity. The accounts were reportedly being jointly managed by Serah Ibrahim, Ezeokoli Blessing, and John Alor, individuals associated with the Movement’s organizational efforts.

Public reaction, however, was swift and largely negative. Critics on social media and within civil society questioned the rationale behind soliciting funds for what many perceived as a celebratory event, particularly when millions of Nigerians are struggling with economic hardships. Concerns also arose about accountability, especially given the growing demand for financial transparency in politically affiliated activities.

Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Movement, together with Morris Monye, Director of Mobilisation, and Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communications and Media, issued a formal statement on Tuesday. The trio acknowledged the public’s misgivings and took full responsibility for the poor communication that followed the fundraising announcement.

The statement read in part, “We have received feedback and concerns regarding the recent announcement of donation accounts of the July 19 rally as a birthday celebration for H.E. Peter Obi. We acknowledge that the release of donation account details and communication without adequate context may have created confusion and raised concerns. We take full responsibility for that and we sincerely apologise too.”

The leadership of the Movement emphasized that it never intended to commercialize the event or make financial demands that would burden its supporters. Instead, the group reiterated that the rally was always meant to be a day of civic engagement and national reflection, rather than a grand birthday festivity.

As a result, the group has called off all fundraising efforts related to the rally. It urged its members and supporters to redirect any resources they may have intended to donate toward assisting those in real need within their communities. The movement’s new focus, they said, should be on “compassion-driven action” rather than celebratory activities.

According to the official communication, the theme for the rally remains “From Compassion to Purpose: Obidients in Action for a New Possible Nigeria.” Organizers noted that the rally was conceived as a symbolic day to reflect on the values that define the Obidient Movement and to reignite commitment to national transformation.

The decision to suspend public fundraising has garnered mixed reactions. While some supporters praised the Movement’s quick response to public sentiment and its willingness to own up to mistakes, others felt that the group should have anticipated the backlash and exercised more discretion before announcing financial solicitations.

Political analysts have noted that the backlash underscores the increasing demand for transparency and ethical responsibility in the country’s political landscape. Many believe that the Movement, which gained significant traction during the last election cycle for its grassroots energy and idealism, risks losing credibility if it fails to navigate public expectations with more strategic foresight.

What remains clear is that the Obidient Movement still commands a loyal following, but that loyalty now comes with heightened scrutiny. As Nigeria faces numerous challenges including economic uncertainty, political volatility, and social unrest, the bar for civic engagement continues to rise. Supporters are not only expected to show up in numbers, but also to uphold a standard of integrity and accountability.

While the July 19 rally is still expected to take place, albeit without the financial backing initially proposed, its tone and focus may now shift dramatically. Organizers seem to be embracing the idea of a quieter, more reflective day that centers on service and civic responsibility rather than fanfare.

In conclusion, this episode serves as a reminder that the Nigerian public is not only watching but is also willing to speak out against what it perceives as missteps, even from movements they support. The Obidient Movement’s ability to listen and course-correct may prove to be one of its greatest strengths as it continues to evolve.