By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO — The Sokoto State chapter of the Obidient Motion has strongly condemned current remarks by Labour Occasion chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo, who claimed that solely a northern candidate can unseat President Bola Tinubu within the 2027 common elections.
At a press convention held Thursday on the Labour Occasion Secretariat in Sokoto, spokesperson of the group, Abubakar Yawale, described Okonkwo’s feedback as “anti-democratic, divisive, and strategically flawed.”
Yawale asserted that the suggestion undermines the credibility and nationwide momentum of the Obidient Motion led by former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
“The notion {that a} southeastern candidate can’t win is a harmful fantasy,” Yawale mentioned. “Mr. Peter Obi’s attraction cuts throughout all areas, and his rising acceptance within the North is plain.”
To help their declare, the group pointed to Obi’s current recognition by the District Head of Pantami in Gombe State, who bestowed on him the title Sarkin Maskan Pantami (Chief of Shelter and Peace). They described the distinction as a testomony to Obi’s growing grassroots acceptance in northern Nigeria, fueled by his humanitarian legacy and moral management.
Yawale highlighted that the Obidient Motion in Sokoto has constructed a robust grassroots community throughout all 23 native authorities areas, connecting with farmers, merchants, youth, and artisans.
“This isn’t a social media motion. It’s a village-to-village, ward-to-ward effort,” he emphasised.
On electoral efficiency, the group cited the 2023 presidential election the place Obi secured 6.1 million votes, defeating Tinubu in Lagos and capturing 25.4% of the nationwide vote. When mixed with Atiku Abubakar’s 29.07%, the opposition bloc exceeded 13 million votes, properly forward of Tinubu’s 8.79 million.
They argued that discontent within the North, particularly over financial hardship and insecurity, has made the area extra receptive to Obi’s message of financial justice and reform.
The group additional praised the rising opposition alliance involving Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi below the ADC-led platform, describing Obi as a “unifying determine with the widest cross-regional attraction.”
Rejecting Okonkwo’s declare that working a southern candidate would reward Tinubu re-election, Yawale mentioned:
“Peter Obi’s win in Lagos and his broad attraction refute that. The 2027 presidency, each morally and constitutionally, belongs to the South. Suggesting in any other case solely divides the opposition and strengthens the incumbent.”
Yawale additionally pushed again towards rising fears in some quarters that Obi’s victory is likely to be rigged once more in 2027.
“We reject defeatism. Democracy calls for we battle for electoral integrity—not settle for theft as inevitable.”
To Peter Obi, the Sokoto Obidients despatched a transparent message: stay agency within the presidential race.
“You’re our candidate—north, south, east, and west,” Yawale declared. “We reject any try and sideline you to a vice-presidential place.”
The motion additionally known as on Northern leaders and civil society to launch a ‘North for Obi’ marketing campaign to additional mobilize regional help based mostly on shared values of justice, safety, and financial equality.
In closing, Yawale reaffirmed the motion’s dedication to constructing a merit-based Nigeria, saying:
“Peter Obi represents that future. We urge Mr. Okonkwo to retract his divisive remarks and embrace unity over worry. The trail to victory in 2027 will not be by way of tribal calculation however nationwide transformation.”
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