Obidient Movement Finance Director Resigns, Gives Reasons
The Obidient Movement, a political support group that mobilised behind former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has been hit by the resignation of its Director of Finance, Dr Peter Agada.
Agada announced his resignation on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, where he also unveiled a new platform, The Movement Nigeria, signalling a possible shift in the post-2023 political coalition that powered Obi’s presidential bid.
He cited a lack of structure and coordination within the Obidient Movement as a key reason for stepping down.
Explaining his decision, Agada told journalists that his resignation was not driven by personal grievances.
“I resigned my position as the Director of Finance of the Obidient Movement about three days ago and submitted my letter to the headquarters, stating that I would no longer continue in that role based on the issues we have outlined,” he said.
“This meeting is being held here today because it is my facility—the product of my hard-earned labour. If I am championing a new movement, it has to begin from my own space. After all, charity begins at home.
“I must say that the lack of structure within the Obidient Movement does not align with my personality or my professional growth as an architect over the past 30 years. For some time now, I have not been informed about meetings or activities. It is surprising that a Director of Finance would be unaware of what is happening within the organisation.”
Despite his exit, Agada declined to state whether he would continue to support Obi or align with other political figures ahead of the 2027 elections, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“In essence, we are not supporting any particular individual. As I said earlier, The Movement Nigeria is not built around personalities, it is not for Asiwaju, Obi, or Atiku,” he stated.
On his relationship with Obi, Agada clarified that it was strictly professional.
“I have no personal relationship with Mr Peter Obi. He has been in this building before during the Big Tent retreat in July last year, that was only my second physical meeting with him.
“However, I served as his Director of Finance within the Obidient Movement for over a year and carried out my responsibilities to the best of my ability, often offering personal support as well. Beyond that role, there is no personal relationship.”
Addressing concerns about funding, Agada dismissed claims of external sponsorship, insisting that the new movement would be sustained through collective contributions.
“Any movement funded by a single individual can easily be controlled or dismantled. This movement is currently being supported by those of us here, and the funding structure is decentralised—not dependent on any powerful individual.
“There is no single financier behind The Movement Nigeria. If you are dissatisfied with your welfare or governance as a worker, then you should be part of this movement. It belongs to everyone.”
Reacting to the development, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, expressed disappointment but downplayed the impact of Agada’s exit, noting that efforts were ongoing to restructure the group.
“We are currently working to revamp and restructure the movement. Our goal is to adopt a more collegiate system rather than a directorate structure where individuals feel excluded. That is the direction we are heading,” he said.
“Also, this is an electioneering period. If political parties and even governors can be influenced by money, then anything is possible. At least now, we can begin to identify who is truly committed.
“We do not intend to engage in any dispute with Agada. As far as we are concerned, we are still together. I have not received any formal complaint about his departure.”
Tanko, the Obidient Movement national coordinator, added that he had not received any official resignation letter.
“I am not aware of any such letter. As I said, we are still together. However, if he intends to pursue his ambitions ahead of 2027, there is nothing wrong with that. It is expected that people will move across platforms during this period.
“The Obidient Movement is built on sacrifice. Many of us have invested a lot but have chosen to remain committed until the end.”
The development highlights growing internal tensions within the Obidient Movement as political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections begin to unfold, raising fresh questions about the cohesion and future direction of one of Nigeria’s most prominent grassroots political movements.
