NEWS
Obidient Movement Rejects Theo Abu Agada’s Appointment, Demands Accountability from NDC Leadership and Tanko Yunusa
The Obidient Movement has strongly rejected the appointment of Theo Abu Agada as Director of New Media and Strategic Communications by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the decision as a grave affront to its presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and millions of Nigerians who identify with the movement.
In a statement issued on behalf of Obidients by Karigwe, popularly known as the “Prophet of Thoughts,” the movement expressed outrage over what it called an insensitive and provocative appointment, insisting that it undermines the values of competence, character, justice, accountability, and people-centred leadership upon which the Obidient Movement was built.
According to the statement, the appointment of a figure who has allegedly maintained a history of public criticism and hostility towards Peter Obi and his supporters raises serious concerns about the sincerity of the NDC’s commitment to fostering unity within its political coalition.
The movement argued that a political party cannot claim to appreciate the contributions of Obidients while simultaneously elevating an individual whose public record is said to contain repeated attacks and disparaging remarks against the movement and its presidential candidate.
The statement further alleged that Theo Abu Agada had, on several occasions, questioned Peter Obi’s leadership capacity and made comments portraying Obi and his supporters in a negative light. Of particular concern, according to the movement, was a previous statement in which Agada allegedly accused Peter Obi of unleashing IPOB supporters on Nigerians, a claim the movement described as reckless and dangerous.
Obidients maintained that such remarks go beyond ordinary political disagreement and amount to attempts to associate Peter Obi and his supporters with extremism, insisting that no political organization that genuinely respects Obi and his followers should reward such conduct with a strategic communication position.
Drawing comparisons with other political movements, the statement questioned whether the NDC would appoint an individual who had consistently attacked Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya Movement to a sensitive communications office while expecting support from Kwankwasiyya adherents.
The movement argued that the New Media and Strategic Communications Directorate serves as the public voice of any political organization and therefore requires individuals whose records reflect loyalty and respect for the party’s key stakeholders.
Beyond its criticism of the appointment, the Obidient Movement also turned its attention to Tanko Yunusa, questioning his effectiveness as leader of the movement and demanding explanations over what it described as a recurring pattern of disrespect toward Obidients across various political platforms.
The statement recalled instances in both the Labour Party and ADC where, according to the movement, Peter Obi and his supporters were allegedly sidelined despite their significant contributions to political mobilization and grassroots engagement.
It lamented that the same pattern appears to be repeating itself within the NDC, despite Obidients remaining one of the most visible, vocal, and active political support groups in the country.
Raising a series of pointed questions, the movement challenged Tanko Yunusa to clarify his role in protecting the interests of Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement, expressing concern that the group’s political influence is being diminished under his watch.
The movement stressed that Obidients cannot continue to serve as a mobilization force during campaigns and political activities while individuals perceived to be hostile to the movement are rewarded with strategic positions.
As part of its demands, the Obidient Movement called for the immediate reversal of Theo Abu Agada’s appointment and requested a public explanation from the NDC leadership detailing how the appointment was approved.
It also demanded a formal apology to Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement, alongside assurances that individuals with records of hostility toward Obi and his supporters would not be entrusted with sensitive strategic communication responsibilities in the future.
Additionally, the movement called on Tanko Yunusa to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding his stewardship and address concerns surrounding what it described as repeated acts of disrespect directed at Obidients.
Reaffirming its political significance, the statement declared that the Obidient Movement is not a mere political tool to be activated during elections and ignored when strategic decisions are being made.
The movement concluded by insisting that if the NDC seeks to benefit from the credibility, energy, sacrifices, and extensive reach of Obidients, it must demonstrate genuine respect for the movement and its leadership.
The statement emphasized that anything short of that would remain unacceptable to members and supporters of 
the Obidient Movement nationwide.