ABUJA, July 7, 2026 — The Obidient Movement has issued a strongly worded statement condemning comments made by former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, during a television interview, accusing him of diverting attention from Nigeria’s current challenges by invoking the Nigerian Civil War instead of addressing the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a press statement dated July 7, 2026, titled “The Absurdity of Ali Modu Sheriff: When the Godfather of Terrorism Chooses to Lecture Nigerians on Patriotism,” the movement alleged that Sheriff failed to answer questions regarding calls for President Tinubu to resign over worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
According to the statement, rather than defending the government’s record, Sheriff resorted to “tribal fear-mongering” and attempted to shift public attention to historical issues.
The movement argued that Nigeria’s pressing concerns remain hunger, rising poverty, insecurity and economic decline, insisting that these issues cannot be obscured by debates over events from more than five decades ago.
Defending its principal, Peter Obi, the group maintained that his position on national unity has remained consistent. It cited Obi’s business record, including investments in Northern Nigeria during his tenure as Chairman of Fidelity Bank, as evidence of his commitment to inclusive national development.
The statement further claimed that Obi has consistently advocated harnessing Northern Nigeria’s agricultural potential to diversify the country’s economy beyond oil, describing such proposals as capable of transforming the region economically.
Addressing allegations linking Obi to separatist sentiments, the Obidient Movement said the former Anambra State governor has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to a united Nigeria built on justice, dialogue and inclusion. It also asserted that Obi has called for addressing grievances through lawful and peaceful means.
The movement also criticised Sheriff over his historical association with the early emergence of Boko Haram, arguing that it was ironic for him to lecture Nigerians on patriotism. It alleged that defenders of the current administration frequently resort to ethnic and religious narratives whenever confronted with criticism of government performance.
Concluding the statement, the Obidient Movement insisted that the country’s foremost challenges are insecurity, hunger and economic hardship, not ethnic divisions or the Nigerian Civil War.
The statement was signed by the Media and Communications Directorate of the Obidient Movement.
