The Obidient Movement has criticised former President of the Court of Appeal, Ayo Salami, over his recent remarks questioning the eligibility of Peter Obi to contest the 2023 presidential election, maintaining that the former Anambra State governor remains focused and undistracted.
The group’s position was outlined in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko.
Salami had also raised concerns about declining standards within the judiciary, attributing flawed judgments to what he described as the “inadequacy and incompetence” of some judges.
Tanko however stated that Obi would not be swayed by what he described as attempts to “rewrite history,” emphasising that all legal questions surrounding his candidacy had already been resolved by the courts.
He said, “As a movement built on truth, justice, and the rule of law, we must set the records straight and not allow this narrative to mislead the public.
“The highest court in the land has already settled all matters regarding Peter Obi’s candidacy and his membership in the Labour Party. The issue of his qualification was thoroughly litigated, and the courts did not disqualify him on the grounds of party membership.
“It is a well-established legal principle in Nigeria that the membership of a political party is strictly an internal affair of that party. The Labour Party accepted Peter Obi, granted him a waiver, and submitted his name to INEC. No external body or individual has the locus standi to dictate who a party registers as its member.”
Tanko, who previously served as Obi’s campaign spokesperson, questioned why the issue was being revisited at this time.
“It is curious that these comments are being made now, long after the elections have concluded and the judicial processes have been exhausted. We must ask: what is the motive behind trying to rewrite history and cast doubt on a candidacy that inspired millions of Nigerians?
“Justice Salami himself highlighted the ‘inadequacy and incompetence’ of some judges and the ‘tragedy’ of the current judicial system. Instead of focusing on a settled matter regarding Peter Obi, we should focus on reforming the judiciary to ensure justice is served to the Nigerian people, a core pillar of the New Nigeria we are fighting for.
“Obi never partook in the PDP primaries. It is unfortunate that the judge did not get his facts right before going to the press,” he stated.
The movement also pointed to Obi’s record in public office and private enterprise, highlighting his financial management during his time as governor of Anambra State and noting the absence of criminal allegations against him.
He said, “As governor, he left N75bn in the coffers of the Anambra State Government. He has no forgery or drug-related issues associated with him. Yet, the judge preferred to celebrate criminality over credibility. This is the level to which Nigeria has descended. Very sad indeed!
“Obi remains the symbol of hope for a New Nigeria. His 2023 candidacy was valid, legitimate, and overwhelmingly supported by millions of Nigerians tired of the status quo.
“We will not be distracted by retrospective opinions that hold no legal weight. Our eyes remain on the prize: building a nation where competence, character, and capacity lead the way.”
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