A faction of Nigeria’s Obidient Movement has formally declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, signaling a notable shift in the country’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made during the inauguration of “Team Obidient General Worldwide” in Jos, Plateau State, an initiative focused on grassroots sensitisation, voter education, and mobilisation in support of President Tinubu’s administration.
The event brought together leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), youth groups, women organisations, and supporters from across Plateau State.
In his welcome address, Chief Bwala Adamu described the inauguration as the beginning of a new political realignment driven by individuals who have reassessed the performance of the Tinubu administration.
According to him, many former supporters of the Obidient Movement have come to appreciate the President’s efforts in governance, particularly his appointments and developmental projects benefiting Plateau State and the North-Central region.
“We have come to realise that no matter what we thought of Tinubu before now, he is far better than what we imagined. He has honoured Plateau State in many ways, and we believe he deserves our support,” Adamu said.
Representing the APC youth constituency, Plateau State APC Youth Leader, Kefas Aminu, welcomed the initiative and described it as a positive development for youth participation in governance and political engagement.
He commended ongoing empowerment programmes and developmental initiatives targeted at young people, expressing optimism that the movement would further strengthen grassroots mobilisation across the state.
Also speaking, Plateau State APC Chairman, Hon. Rufus Bature, described the inauguration as significant and timely.
Bature said President Tinubu’s economic and governance reforms may be difficult in the short term but would ultimately deliver long-term benefits for Nigerians.
He urged members of the new group to remain committed to voter mobilisation and civic participation, stressing the importance of obtaining Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections.
“The reforms may be painful today, but at the end of the day Nigerians will realise that they made the right choice. We must continue to support the President and give him the opportunity to consolidate on what he has started,” he said.
The convener of the group, Hon. Ikenna Azomchine, popularly known as the “Obidient General,” said the movement was formed by individuals who were active participants in the Obidient Movement but now believe engagement with government offers a more productive path to achieving national development.
Azomchine maintained that obedience should not be confined to a single political figure or party, insisting that members of the movement are spread across different political platforms.
He said the newly inaugurated structure would serve as a platform for young Nigerians to engage government, advocate solutions to national challenges, and promote constructive participation in governance.
“We are convinced that it is important that we work directly with government. We want to bring ideas, propose solutions, and ensure that the voices of Nigerian youths are heard,” he stated.
According to him, the group would establish support structures across the North-Central region and other parts of the country while also engaging members of the Nigerian diaspora.
He said the initiative would focus on insecurity, infrastructure development, voter education, and community mobilisation.
Azomchine further announced that the group would work towards supporting President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, arguing that continuity would provide an opportunity to consolidate ongoing reforms and development programmes.
Former Commander of Operation Safe Haven and former Special Task Force Commander in Plateau State, Major General Anthony Mayowa Atolagbe (Rtd), who spoke on behalf of Azomchine’s associates, described the Obidient General as a trusted and dependable leader committed to contributing positively to national development.
“He is not coming to create confusion. He is coming to add value, and I can confidently say he is someone who can be trusted,” Atolagbe said.
The event also received endorsements from other support groups, including the City Boy Movement.
The Plateau State Coordinator of the movement pledged partnership with Team Obidient General Worldwide, describing the initiative as a platform for promoting grassroots sensitisation, civic education, unity, and support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Similarly, Special Assistant to the APC National Chairman, Mildred Bako, commended Azomchine’s decision and described it as a courageous political move.
She urged young Nigerians to remain strategic in their political engagement while supporting efforts aimed at strengthening governance and national development.
Also speaking, the Convener of Women in Politics Initiative, Plateau State, Hajara Yunana, praised President Tinubu’s leadership and expressed confidence that women across the country would continue to support his administration.
Yunana described the inauguration as evidence that Nigerians are increasingly prioritising leadership qualities and performance above political affiliations.
The event was attended by Plateau State APC Women’s Leader, Mrs. Longret Tokelen, her deputy, Lilian Madaki, youth leaders, party executives, support groups, and stakeholders from across the state.
