The proposed initiative by the Obidient Movement to mobilise donations for a nationwide birthday rally in honour of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has sparked a flurry of mixed reactions across Nigeria.
The appeal, made public on Monday via a joint statement signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko; Director of Mobilisation, Morris Monye; and Director of Strategic Communications & Media, Nana Kazaure, called on members and supporters—home and abroad—to contribute funds toward marking the 64th birthday of the former Anambra State governor on July 19, 2025.
According to the organisers, the funds are intended to support logistics, media engagement, volunteer kits, and mobilisation efforts for what they described as a “monumental birthday rally.”
“This is more than a birthday celebration; it is an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to good governance, justice, and accountability in Nigeria,” the statement reads.
To ensure accountability, the Obidient leadership said it had established four bank accounts managed by Serah Ibrahim, Ezeokoli Blessing (also known as Jack), and John Alor, adding that financial updates would be provided regularly.
But the appeal has generated widespread debate, particularly on social media platforms, where critics are accusing the movement of leveraging Obi’s birthday to subtly raise funds for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PUNCH