The Obidient Movement in Imo State has dismissed media reports suggesting that its leader, Peter Obi, played any role in the recent visit of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the state.

In a statement signed by Anukanti Vigilius Chukwuka, Coordinator of the movement in Imo, the group clarified that Obi was not present at the event that brought El-Rufai to Owerri.

El-Rufai’s Visit Was for Odenigbo Lecture

El-Rufai was in Owerri, Imo State, over the weekend to attend the Odenigbo Lecture, an annual cultural and intellectual event organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri. The event is known for attracting prominent figures across Nigeria.

However, the Obidient Movement noted that some reports wrongly linked Obi to the visit, with claims that the former Anambra governor invited El-Rufai to the state.

“Obi Was Not Even There” – Obidient Movement

The statement clarified that Obi was not at this year’s lecture, even though he had attended in the past when he was governor of Anambra State.

“The day preceding the public lecture, an illustrious son of Imo State, Hon. Nnaemeka Madagwu, a former Speaker of the Imo State Assembly during the Achike Udenwa administration, hosted El-Rufai, who was his former boss and had appointed him Transport Secretary when El-Rufai was FCT Minister,” the group explained.

“Peter Obi was not even at this year’s lecture, but mischief makers are dragging Obi’s name as the man who invited El-Rufai.”

The group, however, admitted that Obi once honored an invitation to a dinner in El-Rufai’s honor, stressing that the gesture was a reflection of Igbo cultural values of gratitude and not political alignment.

“Obi Focused on a New Nigeria”

The Obidient Movement emphasized that Obi’s political vision remains unchanged:

“Our Principal is desirous of creating a new Nigeria that is POssible, and he is willing to achieve it with all well-meaning Nigerians.”

The clarification comes amid heightened political speculations and online debates about Obi’s associations as he continues to play a central role in Nigeria’s opposition politics.