Abuja, Nigeria – A group of self-proclaimed Obidient representatives has sparked widespread outrage and ridicule after holding a chaotic press conference in Abuja, where they announced the disbandment of the Obidient Movement, the sacking of Peter Obi and Yunusa Tanko, and a rebranding to the “OBEDIENT Movement.” The event has triggered fierce backlash against AriseTV for giving the apparent stunt extensive coverage.
The self-styled “International Coordinator,” Dr Barry Avotu Johnson, led the poorly attended briefing, flanked by a small panel. A banner behind them displayed the new name with a glaring spelling error – “OBEDIENT” instead of the movement’s original branding. Johnson accused the original #Obidient Movement of being hijacked for “political prostitution” and personal enrichment, declaring it had severed ties with the Labour Party and was yet to endorse any 2027 presidential candidate.
AriseTV’s prominent airing of the press conference drew immediate and intense criticism on social media. Many Nigerians accused the station of amplifying what they described as obvious fraud or hired actors purely for sensationalism and ratings. Within hours, hashtags and posts mocking both the “charlatans” and AriseTV trended heavily, with users questioning the channel’s editorial judgement. Social media reaction was merciless.
Comments ranged from “Who are these clowns AriseTV is platforming?” to direct attacks on the station: “AriseTV has become a joke, giving airtime to any desperate skit for cheap content.” Several users pointed out the amateurish staging — mismatched attire, sunglasses indoors, and the misspelt banner — as clear red flags that should have been obvious to any credible news outlet.True to the movement’s decentralised nature, neither Peter Obi nor mainstream Obidient figures have dignified the claims with a response.
The episode has instead reinforced perceptions of the Obidient brand as a powerful grassroots force that cannot be easily “sacked” by fringe elements. Political analysts note that the controversy highlights two issues: the persistent attempts by political opponents to undermine Peter Obi’s support base ahead of 2027, and growing public distrust in sections of the Nigerian media for prioritizing drama over substance.
As backlash against AriseTV continues to mount, the station has yet to issue any clarification or response to the mounting criticism.
