Backlash Trails Obidient Movement’s Fundraising Drive for Obi @ 64

The Obidient Movement’s plan to mark Peter Obi’s 64th birthday with a nationwide rally has stirred controversy, as critics allege the celebration masks a covert campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Though organisers claim the July 19 event is strictly a tribute to Mr. Obi’s ideals and a “reaffirmation of the movement’s commitment to justice and good governance,” public skepticism has grown around the group’s fundraising methods. The announcement of four bank accounts for voluntary donations has triggered accusations of politicising a personal milestone for electoral gain.

What began as a celebratory gesture is now mired in debate, with many Nigerians questioning the ethics of soliciting funds from citizens already grappling with economic hardship. Critics on social media argue that the initiative departs from the movement’s grassroots principles, branding it a veiled attempt to finance political activities in Obi’s name.

“It’s a birthday turned campaign rally,” one user noted, while others expressed unease about the blurred line between civic activism and political ambition. Still, supporters maintain that all contributions are optional and transparent, aimed solely at logistical needs such as volunteer kits and media engagement.

With Peter Obi’s popularity among young Nigerians undimmed since the 2023 election, the movement’s latest endeavour has reignited broader conversations about the role of citizen-led political advocacy—and whether symbolic gestures can ever be truly separated from campaign agendas.

The rally is being organised independently by supporters under the movement, according to a joint statement signed by National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Director of Mobilisation Morris Monye, and Director of Strategic Communications Nana Kazaure.

“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 read.

To support the initiative, the group has opened four dedicated bank accounts for voluntary donations, jointly managed by Serah Ibrahim, Ezeokoli Blessing (also known as Jack), and John Alor.

The funds are intended to cover logistics, media engagement, volunteer kits, and mobilisation across various states. A planning committee has also been constituted to coordinate activities nationwide, and the organisers assured that financial updates would be shared regularly to ensure transparency.

However, the fundraising effort has sparked debate online, with critics accusing the group of using Obi’s birthday as a pretext for campaign funding ahead of the 2027 elections.

On social media, several users expressed concern about the timing and optics of the appeal, especially amid ongoing economic hardship in the country. One user, @Enwagboso, wrote, “Peter Obi should get a hall and celebrate his birthday. He is wealthy. He is frugal but secretly wants birthday support contributions to double as an indirect campaign of his desperation to be president.”

Another critic, pharmacist Sadiq Maunde, described the move as a betrayal of the movement’s values, stating, “If you don’t see anything wrong in the Obidient Movement soliciting funds from struggling Nigerians to organise a birthday rally, I’m not sorry, but everything is wrong with you.”

Other users urged the group to focus on core political reforms rather than public events. “PO’s birthday should be low-key,” wrote Ejiro Praise. “When are we going to talk about electoral reform?”

Despite the backlash, several supporters defended the initiative, saying contributions were strictly voluntary, adding that the funds would go toward event materials like t-shirts and flyers to show solidarity with Obi’s ideals.