Prosper Okoye
Betty Akeredolu, the wife of the late former Ondo State governor, has crossed one of Nigeria’s sharpest political lines by publicly backing Peter Obi’s Obidient Movement — a rare show of support for the opposition from someone closely linked to the country’s ruling elite.
Mrs Akeredolu made the declaration at the inauguration of the Obidients Movement in Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State, where she was represented by her aide, Prince Joseph Nwosu Okoire.
She said she was unable to attend in person because of an official engagement in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a message read to supporters, she described the Obidient Movement as more than a political gathering, calling it “a movement of conscience, hope, and collective resolve”. Adding that it had become “a nightmare to politicians who wish to preserve the status quo”.
The status quo she referred to as, “poor infrastructure, food insecurity, corruption, insecurity and abuse of office.”
“I proudly declare that I am Obidient,” she said. “I stand firmly on Obi or Nothing — not as a slogan, but as an affirmation of values.”
Mrs Akeredolu said Mr Obi represents the leadership Nigeria urgently needs, anchored on what she called the three Cs — character, competence and capacity.
Her endorsement is politically striking because of her ties to the governing establishment through her late husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, who served two terms as governor of Ondo State under the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Open support for Mr Obi from within that circle is uncommon and adds to signs that his movement is reaching beyond the youth-driven base that powered his 2023 presidential campaign.
The Obidient Movement emerged around Mr Obi’s presidential bid and has continued to organise at grassroots level despite his defeat. Supporters say it reflects a push for political change, while critics argue it remains more a protest movement than a structured political force.
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Mrs Akeredolu did not say whether she plans to formally join any political party, but her declaration has already drawn attention in Nigeria’s political circles, where shifts in elite support are closely watched ahead of future elections.
Prime Business Africa gathered that Mrs Akeredolu’s endorsement comes at a time when the ruling APC is under growing pressure from economic hardship, public anger and quiet elite unease ahead of the next election cycle.
While there has been no formal split inside the party, there is increasing evidence of discontent among figures linked to the old political establishment.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
