Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, has dismissed claims that Peter Obi was expelled from the group, calling the report false. Tanko said in a phone interview with DAILY POST that the claim originated from "Abure's boys," referring to supporters of Julius Abure, former national chairman of the Labour Party. He questioned the legitimacy of the action, asking, "How can they sack the owner of the Movement (Peter Obi)? Isn't that funny?"
A faction led by self-acclaimed International Coordinator Dr Barry Avotu Johnson announced the expulsion during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. Johnson stated the group has not adopted any presidential candidate for the 2027 election and has severed ties with the Labour Party. The faction claimed it has withdrawn recognition and membership status from Peter Obi and Yunusa Tanko, declaring both expelled as leaders and members. Tanko rejected the authority of the faction, maintaining that the Obidient Movement remains intact under its original leadership.
Tanko claims Peter Obi cannot be expelled because he is the owner, yet the faction's move exposes a split no leader has publicly reconciled. If Obi owns the movement, why does a faction have enough structure to hold press briefings and issue expulsions? This division, played out in public, risks reducing a political brand built on unity to competing personal allegiances. Nigerians who identify with the movement now face uncertainty over which group speaks for them.
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