As the 2023 Presidential election inches close, one of the greatest movements that will be reckoned in the Nigerian Political history for a long time is the Obidient movement. For the first time in the 4th republic, a generation that has never been interested in politics became the center of conversation in the Nigerian political space. The genesis of the Obidient movement could possibly be traced to the Endsars protest of 2020. It will be right to say that Endsars mutated into the Obidient movement of today. The Endsars was a protest that offered young people an opportunity to rebel against bad governance and the establishment the country . While their desire to genuinely cause a systematic change within the police institution wasn’t met, one thing they took away is their ability to organize themselves with the leverage of technology and the social media, translating the knowledge, skill, zeal and passion into politics.
So far, the political space has seriously been rattled by these young Nigerians and Obi is the biggest beneficiary of this new energy and passion. They have practically succeeded in resurrecting a near dead Labour Party and turned it into a presidential front runner. They have mobilized funds, they have organized rallies, they have campaigned door to door in all nooks and crannies of the country. They have done everything within the books and outside the books in other to ensure Peter Obi wins the election. Their hopes are very high and of course several polls have indicated that Obi might win, so it might not be a wishful thinking after all.
However, one thing is certain, this is an extremely competitive presidential race, the most competitive since return to democracy in 1999. No one is sure how the pendulum will swing, therefore amongst the three front runners, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi, it could swing any way.
What then happens if peter Obi loses? What becomes of this enthusiasm? This energy. How will the disappointment be dealt with and channeled? What will be the faith of the Labour Party? Will they build on the experiences and massive supports they have garnered? Will these young lads understand that this is politics, will they live to fight another day?
It is imperative to realize that hope isn’t enough in politics but rather practical plans and ability to build long term systematic structures that can guarantee political successes over time. No matter the outcome of the presidential elections, this new found energy and consciousness must be preserved and solidly utilized in the building of a better political culture, climate and system.
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