Former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has given his supporters under the Obidient Network the task of selecting the best candidate for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election. The election is scheduled for November 8, 2025.*
In a statement made by Mr. Ikenna Azomchine, the leader of the Obidient Network Advisory Council, during a press briefing held in Awka, Obi’s directive was clear: the group is to assess all candidates vying for the position, regardless of their political party affiliation. The goal, according to Azomchine, is to identify the most competent and credible candidate who aligns with Obi’s vision for the state’s development and welfare.
“We are not concerned with which party the candidate belongs to,” Azomchine said. “Our priority is to choose a leader who will work for the good of Anambra, a leader who has the right values, vision, and capability to govern.”
The Obidient Network, which was initially formed as a grassroots movement supporting Peter Obi during his presidential campaign, has grown into a powerful political force. Its supporters are spread across various political parties throughout Nigeria, and its activities are not confined to any one party. As Azomchine pointed out, the group is focused on values such as competence, good governance, and integrity, rather than party loyalty.
One of the group’s immediate actions, Azomchine revealed, would be to hold interactive sessions with some of the governorship candidates. The aim is to engage these aspirants directly, ask pertinent questions, and carefully assess their ability to lead Anambra state. He stated that the final decision would be based on who best represents the ideals of the Obidient Network and Obi’s vision for the state.
Azomchine took time to clarify some misconceptions surrounding the group. He specifically addressed rumors that certain individuals, claiming to represent the Obidient Movement, were trying to influence the group’s decisions for personal gain. Some of these individuals, he said, had visited the Labour Party office in Abuja, falsely presenting themselves as official representatives of the Obidient Network to endorse a specific candidate.
“The Obidient Network is not a wing of any political party. We have members from all parties, and we have never authorized anyone to speak on our behalf in exchange for political or financial favors,” Azomchine emphasized. “We want to make it clear that we are not in support of anyone in particular at this point. Our mission is to ensure that Anambra gets the best candidate.”
Azomchine also spoke about the group’s efforts to reach out to a variety of candidates, including the incumbent Governor of Anambra, Charles Chukwuma Soludo. He mentioned that he had received Obi’s approval to engage with any of the aspirants, including the sitting governor, if necessary. The goal, Azomchine noted, is not to rule out any candidate but to evaluate their policies, leadership skills, and commitment to the people of Anambra.
Furthermore, he warned both politicians and the public to be wary of fraudulent individuals using the Obidient name for personal or political gain. He pointed out that many politicians and aspiring candidates might be misled into dealing with people falsely claiming to represent the movement.
“We are aware that some people are using our name to extort money from politicians. This is a serious concern, and we are advising all aspirants to be cautious about who they engage with during this election season,” Azomchine warned. He emphasized that the Obidient Network is focused on supporting the candidate who will best serve the interests of Anambra State, not individuals looking to take advantage of the movement’s name.
Azomchine further explained that the Obidient Network’s ultimate aim is to foster good governance and hold leaders accountable. The group’s work, he stated, is meant to serve as an ombudsman for integrity and competence in the electoral process. “We want to ensure that the next governor of Anambra will be someone who upholds the values of transparency, accountability, and fairness. Anambra deserves a leader who is committed to its progress,” he added.
The Obidient Network’s growing influence has become an important factor in Nigerian politics, especially in the southeast region. With Peter Obi being regarded as a major political figure in the region, many believe that the decisions of the Obidient Network could have a significant impact on the outcome of the governorship election in Anambra. The movement’s focus on competence and integrity, rather than party loyalty, has attracted widespread attention, and its influence is expected to play a key role in shaping the political landscape in the state.
Peter Obi, who has long been an advocate for good governance and the welfare of the people, has consistently called for the need to prioritize the interests of the people over personal and political interests. His stance on the upcoming Anambra governorship election reflects his commitment to ensuring that the best leaders emerge, regardless of their political affiliation.
The Obidient Network’s involvement in the election is also seen as a response to the growing demand for accountable leadership in the country. With the public becoming increasingly disillusioned with the traditional political parties, many citizens view the Obidient Network as a beacon of hope for a new kind of politics—one that prioritizes competence, transparency, and service to the people.
As the November election approaches, the decision of the Obidient Network will be closely watched, with many hoping that it will help to bring forth a leader who can address the challenges facing Anambra State, from infrastructure development to education, healthcare, and job creation. The network’s endorsement of a candidate could prove to be a game-changer in the race for the governorship.
