posted 11th May 2025
Obidient Movement Slams Senator Akpabio Over Remarks on Peter Obi
Abuja, 10 October 2025 – The Obidient Movement, a prominent Nigerian political advocacy group, has issued a scathing rebuke of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of lacking the moral authority to criticise Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party. In a press release titled "Rubber Stamp Akpabio Has No Moral Justification for Any Attack on Peter Obi," the group condemned Akpabio’s recent comments as "deeply ironic and unbecoming."
The statement, signed by Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Comms & Media for the Obidient Movement, highlighted Akpabio’s remarks about Obi’s leadership ahead of the 2023 general elections. Akpabio had allegedly described Obi’s tenure as marred by a "clear and unambiguous ruling" from the Supreme Court, which affirmed the highest court in the land had found Obi’s leadership wanting. The Obidient Movement dismissed these claims, arguing that Akpabio, as Senate President, has overseen a legislative chamber that "shamelessly rubber-stamps" the All Progressives Congress (APC) agenda, despite public discontent.
"It is well known that the President of the 10th Senate is not particularly renowned for the substance or depth of his public utterances," the statement read. "However, we did not anticipate that he would stoop so low as to speak on issues within the Labour Party, which he knows little about." The group accused Akpabio of attempting to deflect attention from the Senate’s failure to address pressing national issues, such as economic hardship and insecurity, by targeting Obi.
The Obidient Movement also referenced the #EndBadGovernance protests, which saw widespread unrest over the APC’s policies. They noted that while Obi and other Labour Party leaders continued to engage with the public on these issues, Akpabio’s Senate appeared disconnected, focusing instead on "frivolous" matters. "Senator Akpabio daily desecrates the highly revered office of the Senate President," the statement added, urging him to focus on his legislative duties rather than launching attacks on opposition figures.
In a pointed critique, the group questioned Akpabio’s credibility, citing his party’s role in Nigeria’s economic struggles. "The worst Senate President in Nigeria’s democratic history has no moral standing to cast aspersions on Mr. Obi," they stated, calling for Akpabio to channel his energy into addressing the nation’s challenges.
The Obidient Movement reiterated its support for Peter Obi, describing him as a leader who has consistently advocated for Nigerians despite the challenges faced during his tenure. The press release concluded with a call for Akpabio to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians over political point-scoring.
