Sambo Says Peter Obi Cannot Lead Obidient Movement, Urges Structural Reform

Sumner Sambo, Director of News at Arise Television, said Peter Obi lacks the capacity to lead the Obidient Movement effectively, urging him to build a structure that transcends his personal ambition. Speaking on Arise Television’s 'Prime Time' on Wednesday, Sambo compared the movement to the historic Zikist movement of Nnamdi Azikiwe’s era, noting that even if Obi fails to win the 2027 presidency, the group should endure. He blamed ongoing organizational problems, citing the absence of a post-election review after 2023 that could have united supporters and addressed campaign shortcomings. Sambo also pointed to the departure of former Deputy Campaign Manager Isaac Balami, who left due to perceived loopholes in funding and strategy that were never fixed.

The critique highlights a leadership vacuum within one of Nigeria’s most active youth-driven political forces, raising questions about its ability to sustain momentum ahead of the 2027 elections. Without clear internal structures, the movement risks fragmentation or co-option by established parties, potentially weakening its influence on policy and governance.

If you support the Obidient cause, do you think the movement needs a formal leadership hierarchy, regional coordinators, or a permanent secretariat to channel its energy, or should it remain a loose, ambition-driven network?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/06/peter-obi-cant-give-obidient-movement-required-leadership-sambo/