The Obidient Movement on Thursday distanced itself from what it described as unauthorised groups and individuals allegedly operating parallel structures in the name of the movement.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, the movement said it had become aware of activities and announcements by certain persons allegedly attempting to create confusion around its identity, leadership, and direction.

Tanko stressed that the movement recognised no faction or alternative leadership outside its established structure aligned with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.

He said, “The Obidient Movement has become aware of the activities and announcements by certain individuals and groups attempting to operate under names and structures deliberately designed to create confusion around the identity, leadership, and direction of the Obidient Movement.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Obidient Movement recognises no parallel structure, faction, or alternative leadership outside its established and recognised leadership framework aligned with His Excellency, Peter Obi.

“Attempts to create confusion, misrepresent the movement’s identity, or exploit its growing influence for ulterior interests will not distract us from our mission and ongoing engagement with Nigerians across all levels.”

Continuing, Tanko cautioned members of the public, media organisations, and supporters within and outside Nigeria against associating with any group operating under “derivative or deceptively similar identities”.

The movement stated that such groups did not represent its values, identity, or leadership.

“The public, media organisations, supporters across Nigeria and the diaspora, and all stakeholders are hereby advised that any group operating under derivative or deceptively similar identities does not represent the Obidient Movement, its values, or its leadership,” Tanko added.

The Obidient Movement emerged as a major political force during the 2023 general election, galvanising millions of young Nigerians and supporters across social media and grassroots platforms around Obi’s presidential ambition.

Reaffirming its commitment to its ideals, the group said it remained focused on promoting integrity, accountability, and justice in pursuit of a “New Nigeria”.

The movement also urged its supporters to remain united and rely only on officially recognised communication channels for information concerning its activities. (The PUNCH)