The Obidient Movement in Delta State has declared its growing strength and renewed readiness to challenge the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
At a press briefing held Friday in Asaba, spokesperson Chris Biose, alongside other prominent members, stated that the movement is firmly rooted and determined to dislodge political forces they accuse of imposing themselves on the people of Delta and Nigeria at large.
Biose emphasized that voter turnout in 2023, which saw a strong showing for Labour Party’s Peter Obi, will be significantly surpassed in the upcoming elections. He predicted an even greater groundswell of support among Deltans who are increasingly disillusioned with the political status quo.
Commenting on the recent defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and current Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from the PDP to the APC, the Obidient group criticized the move as politically motivated and lacking transparency. They accused the defectors of concealing key reasons behind their decisions, while the state continues to suffer from poor governance.
“In an oil-rich state like Delta, the lack of basic amenities such as clean water, coupled with environmental degradation, is unacceptable,” Biose said. He dismissed concerns over PDP’s merger with the APC, insisting that neither party can win in a truly free and fair election in the state.
Citing the 2023 presidential election results, Biose noted that despite having no formal political structure, Labour Party secured 341,866 votes in Delta—more than the combined totals of the PDP and APC.
He warned that the mass defection of PDP leaders to the APC effectively hands Delta over to a national party that, in his view, has failed to address worsening insecurity across Nigeria. Biose pointed to the rise in violent attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen, which he said continue to terrorize communities in Delta and other states with little accountability.
“The Global Terrorism Index ranks Fulani herdsmen among the world’s deadliest groups,” he said, condemning the federal government’s lack of action over the years. He also criticized President Tinubu for deploying troops to Rivers State amid political tensions, while doing little to stop ongoing killings in Benue, Plateau, and other affected regions.
Biose warned that Nigeria is veering dangerously toward a “predatory autocracy,” where power is upheld by force rather than public support or legitimate governance.
Despite the political realignment in Delta, the Obidient Movement remains hopeful. “There are still men and women of conscience within the PDP and APC who care deeply about the future of Delta,” Biose said. He urged civil society, youth groups, professional bodies, and the media to resist what he termed the ‘sale’ of Delta State for political expediency.
He called on Governor Oborevwori to empower local vigilantes to defend communities from armed invaders wreaking havoc on farmlands and threatening the lives of ordinary citizens.
